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The story is familiar that when Harry Truman and Tom Dewey faced off in the 1948 presidential elections, Dewey went to bed convinced he was the next president of the United States. But when he awoke, he learned that Harry Truman had won. What may not be as well known is that Dewey said to his wife on election day, "Dear, tonight you'll be sleeping with the President of the United States." When they learned that Harry Truman actually won, Mrs. Dewey said to her husband, "Tom, will I be going to Washington or is Mr. Truman coming here?"

It is difficult to predict the future. But one group that has had some success with gazing at the "crystal ball" is the World Future Society. In 1987 the society met in Cambridge, Massachusetts and predicted that the 21st century will include:

1. A transition from an industrial to an information and service society.
2. A terrific increase in the rate of change.
3. Globalizations in every area of business and life.
4. Re-spiritualization of society (reversing the secularization trend of recent centuries), tying knowledge to vision and direction.

Early in the 21st century we have already seen these trends evolving. I find all four fascinating, but the last one particularly intrigues me. My friend Oak Soo from Korea sent me this quote from Anthropologist Jane Goodall (REASON FOR HOPE, Warner Books, 2000). Goodall, a scientist, said this about spirituality:

    "Thinking back over my life, it seems to me that there     are different ways of looking out and trying to understand     the world around us. There's a very clear scientific window.     And it does enable us to understand an awful lot about     what's out there. There's another window; it's the window     through which the wise men, the holy men, the masters     of the different and great religions look as they try to     understand the meaning in the world. My own preference     is the window of the mystic."

You may not reliably predict your future, but will that future include adequate attention to your spiritual life? As you gaze at your world through the window of your mind, will you also gaze through the window of your soul? And will you nurture your soul along the way?

Take good care of your future now, for you'll be spending the rest of your life there.

Steve Goodier Publisher@LifeSupportSystem is a professional speaker, consultant and author of numerous books. He has become a global voice of inspiration. Visit his site for more information, or to sign up for his FREE newsletter of Life, Love and Laughter at LifeSupportSystem.com

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