NBC has found a way to do something we'd all like to accomplish: add another hour to the day. Or at least to "Today." This morning's Wall Street Journal tells us that the network has announced plans to stretch its morning news show from three hours to four, attempting to boost profits. Some of NBC's daytime offerings have struggled greatly, while "Today" has a 55-year history of success. The show's current popularity make it an easier advertising sell, especially with population segments most coveted by marketers..

The show generated more than $600 million in advertising revenue last year, and makes a $250 million profit each year. However, no one can be sure how the fourth hour will fare. Some worry about diluting the show's attraction, while others expect the move to succeed. Clearly, "Today" cannot predict tomorrow.

Neither can our nation's most powerful and popular leaders. Today's New York Times and papers around the nation are covering Illinois Senator Barack Obama's Tuesday statement that he intends to enter the Democratic presidential race. The 45-year-old is considered by many to be too inexperienced for the job. On the other hand, he sees himself as a face for change and progress. He will declare formally his intention to run on February 10 in Springfield, Illinois, the home of Abraham Lincoln. "One thing that I'm convinced of," he said last night, "is that people want something new." But what that is, and whether it includes him, remains to be seen.

"Change is good until it happens," someone said. The most popular player on a football team is the backup quarterback. We're all in favor of progress so long as it carries us with it. But no one knows if that will happen. For every person who benefits from advancement, it seems that someone else suffers. For instance, computer technology enables me to type and email this essay, but it put typesetting companies out of business. I know--I used to work for one as a graphic artist during my first years at seminary. You can do more on your laptop than we could do on our $100,000 typesetting equipment 20 years ago. The Law of Unintended Consequences is still unrevoked. No one can fully know the future results of present actions.

Except for one Person. As we continue to explore ways our world reveals its Maker, consider his divine omniscience. You and I are bound by the space-time continuum. "Tomorrow" is a word, not a reality. But the God who made time transcends it. He was already awake when you got up this morning. He can see your entire day better than you can see this moment. Why not turn both over to him, right now?

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