Mondo Bizzarro up close & personal.

Back in the day a group of high school peeps went to the Belmont Drive-in Theater in Greenville, SC, to view a '60's faux mockumentary film titled Mondo Bizarro. None of us knew that the movie title translates "weird world" in Italiano. Who can remember anything at all about the flick. But, the other day the words "mondo bizzarro" popped up on a email and it rang my bell about living in this weird world. And, truly, 2020 has been such a global oddity. You know, 365 days with, according to the pundits, Mr. Mayhem as our mascot. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted every corner of American life. Add the continuing drama of election 2020 and the result is a truly unique life experience.

And, what do you know? It has been more challenging than most of us realize. The other day I Googled "bizarre 2020" and found unusual events and circumstances that I never read in any media source. Take a gander---

1. Invasion of the murder hornets.

2. Pentagon videos of UFO's.

3. National obsession with the Tiger King.

4. Discovery of a new planet by a high school student.

5. Disappearance of a well-watched giant star.

6. The broom challenge hoax that went viral.

7. A puppy born with green fur.

8. Court ruling that Subway bread isn't actually bread.

9. Scream therapy in Ireland while traveling there.

10. Americans received unsolicited packages from China.

And, several others of international focus. If you'd like to consult the Reader's Digest newsletter source for these unknown mysteries, click here. Mondo bizzarro indeed.

Living in the shadow of question marks raises a few about about navigating such an unpredictable and uncertain journey. They are actually my first order of business in making the next 32 days click. It's true, these next 32 days are the final stretch in 2020. There are things undone, relationships that need repair, contacts I should make, and matters of faith I should consider before 2021 flashes up on my calendar. Up front, however, are the more personal considerations about living in bizarre world. Reflect with me---

1. Do unplanned events and circumstances throw me off of my game?

2. How do circumstances change my goals, wishes, and life purposes?

3. Are there constants in my life that keep me on target?

4. Am I flexible or just aimless?

5. What has 2020 taught me about the meaning of life?

Of course in my Christian worldview Scripture gives guidance and direction about the ins and outs of life under the sun. As you contemplate the above questions, give thought to these profound truths---

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14, ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 13, ESV

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

1 Corinthians 16: 13, ESV

So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5: 6, ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4: 6, ESV

Mondo bizzarro is also learning time. So, what have we learned about life, being prepared, the rule of circumstances over us, the relationships in our circle of influence, the unfinished items of the year, and the role of faith in our daily lives? In short, what has mondo bizzarro taught us?

You know, mondo bizzarro up close and personal.

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