With spiritual maturity should come a steadfast approach to life. Believers are not meant to be in a constant state of turmoil and despair. We should not be agitated and upset every time some small thing doesn't go our way. Instead, we should be "rooted and grounded in love," (see Ephesians 3:17) a state of being which leads to less stress and lower blood pressure, generally better spiritual, mental, physical and emotional health.
When we are not burdened with the mindset of needing to have a frantic response to the most mundane problem, life is much more pleasant and rewarding. Why do we choose to give in to turmoil? Most everyone knows, at least from past experience, if not current standing, how exhausting real-life melodrama is, and, additionally, how draining it is be around individuals who seem to always be living on the edge of disaster.
Those of us who claim to have Jesus as our example, can look to his life and see a quiet resolve in his attitude and approach. Yes, he did have moments of impatience and did not shy away from confrontation when a situation warranted a strong response. But complaining and frustration about the minor inconveniences of everyday life are not the pattern we see in the life of Jesus. And I try to remember that when I'm standing in line a little too long for my liking, and the person in front of me has three different orders and two forms of payment.
The reason I need to relax when I'm the one at the back of the line is because I've been the person holding up the line, and that's just how life goes.That's the give and take of it. I never try to intentionally ruin anyone's day with my actions, and I need to remember other people aren't trying to ruin mine, either. If we could all be better about giving others the benefit of the doubt, if we would extend more mercy and grace, if we could try to understand other points of view, even when we don't agree, the world would be a much calmer place.
Remember, "the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." (James 3:17) Let us seek to have that kind of steadfast wisdom.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
One Step at a Time
Big mistakes most often are the end result of a series of smaller mistakes and poor decisions. A bank robber, for example, is usually not someone who walks into his bank to make a deposit into his Christmas Club account and decides while he's there to ask the teller to hand over all the money in the drawer. I think it's reasonable to say, in most cases, a thief is someone whose thought process leads him to believe, for whatever reason, honesty may not be the best policy, and eventually, once he has opened the door to dwelling on what may seem like an easy solution to his problems, he becomes convinced committing a crime is either justified or that he won't get caught.
I'm hoping no one reading this is contemplating a life of crime, but I know there are those who have reached places in life where they would rather not be and wondered how they got where they are. Barring outside interference from tragic events or circumstances beyond our control, all of us have arrived at where we are in life, for better or worse, one step at a time. Dysfunctional relationships, poor health and unhappiness don't just happen overnight. Those are the kinds of things which gradually take shape over the course of weeks, months and years and are based on the choices we make. Even though we're not bank robbers, our choices do catch up with us.
The good news is, life is not a one-way street. We're not trapped by our poor decisions, and thankfully, it's never too late to turn around and take steps to start over. Relationships can be mended by commitment to working, unselfishly, on what has gone wrong. Health can be improved by eating right and becoming more active and less stressed. Happiness is a choice to change poor attitudes. I never want to trivialize any bad situation anyone is going through, but I do want to encourage all of us to look within for solutions, to the love of God which resides in believers, rather than looking to others to fix our problems.
Scripture often talks about the "putting on" of positive qualities and the "putting away" of negative traits. Just like we get dressed for the day, one piece of clothing at a time, we put on good decisions, one on top of another, as we work toward a fulfilled and productive life.
I'm hoping no one reading this is contemplating a life of crime, but I know there are those who have reached places in life where they would rather not be and wondered how they got where they are. Barring outside interference from tragic events or circumstances beyond our control, all of us have arrived at where we are in life, for better or worse, one step at a time. Dysfunctional relationships, poor health and unhappiness don't just happen overnight. Those are the kinds of things which gradually take shape over the course of weeks, months and years and are based on the choices we make. Even though we're not bank robbers, our choices do catch up with us.
The good news is, life is not a one-way street. We're not trapped by our poor decisions, and thankfully, it's never too late to turn around and take steps to start over. Relationships can be mended by commitment to working, unselfishly, on what has gone wrong. Health can be improved by eating right and becoming more active and less stressed. Happiness is a choice to change poor attitudes. I never want to trivialize any bad situation anyone is going through, but I do want to encourage all of us to look within for solutions, to the love of God which resides in believers, rather than looking to others to fix our problems.
Scripture often talks about the "putting on" of positive qualities and the "putting away" of negative traits. Just like we get dressed for the day, one piece of clothing at a time, we put on good decisions, one on top of another, as we work toward a fulfilled and productive life.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Now, the Rainbow
A few weeks ago, I referenced "rainbows and kitties" as positive attitude promoters. I wrote about our kitten shortly thereafter, and now, as if on cue, a rainbow has appeared to give inspiration. Just a few evenings ago, there was a stunning arc in the sky, perhaps the most complete-looking display of color in a rainbow I ever remember seeing.
Even though there is a perfectly rational, scientific explanation for the occurrence of rainbows, there is something special about them, too. The prophet Ezekiel, in an attempt to describe his "vision of divine glory," said, "As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord...." (Ezekiel 1:28)
Of course going back even further in biblical comment, we read of the mention of a rainbow in the book of Genesis, following the Flood. Recorded in chapter 9, God said to Noah, "I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth." God said, "This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant....When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature..." (verses 11-16)
The heavens are filled with wonder and breathtaking beauty. The stars and planets, the sun rising and setting, clouds and the phases of the moon often have me looking upward, contemplating the vast universe and how everyone on earth is in this life together. Wherever we are, whatever our social standing, race or creed, we are loved and we are connected to each other. But especially when I see a rainbow, I like considering that God is looking at it, too, remembering his covenant, thinking of all of us, his children.
Even though there is a perfectly rational, scientific explanation for the occurrence of rainbows, there is something special about them, too. The prophet Ezekiel, in an attempt to describe his "vision of divine glory," said, "As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord...." (Ezekiel 1:28)
Of course going back even further in biblical comment, we read of the mention of a rainbow in the book of Genesis, following the Flood. Recorded in chapter 9, God said to Noah, "I establish My covenant with you; and all flesh shall never again be cut off by the water of the flood, neither shall there again be a flood to destroy the earth." God said, "This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, and I will remember My covenant....When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature..." (verses 11-16)
The heavens are filled with wonder and breathtaking beauty. The stars and planets, the sun rising and setting, clouds and the phases of the moon often have me looking upward, contemplating the vast universe and how everyone on earth is in this life together. Wherever we are, whatever our social standing, race or creed, we are loved and we are connected to each other. But especially when I see a rainbow, I like considering that God is looking at it, too, remembering his covenant, thinking of all of us, his children.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Having One of Those Days
As I was rather carelessly placing a small, lop-sided stack of papers and books in the front seat of my car the other evening, an acquaintance of mine walked by, and the stack spilled out of the car onto the sidewalk, falling into a mixed up mess. "Having one of those days?" she asked. I thought it was an odd question, as she had not seen me at any other point in the day and had no idea how things had been going for me. Even though I found her comment to be slightly vexatious, I tried not to sound rude when I replied, "No, I just dropped some papers. That's all."
She was only making conversation, but I did think of how often I've heard people comment in exasperation, "it's just been one of those days," meaning something went wrong at the beginning of the day and then everything they did after that went downhill. However, there is no reason for one bad incident to bring on another bad incident, unless we begin to focus on irritations. Then annoyances can, and often do, gain control of our attitude, and attitude is what determines what kind of day we have. Don't buy into Murphy's law "if anything can go wrong, it will." (No one is really certain who Murphy was, and his "law" certainly isn't a law at all.)
It is possible to ruin an entire day by merely thinking it was spoiled from the start. It is also possible to have a productive day by not giving credence and power to minor aggravations. It's the same for "waking up in a bad mood." If our disposition is sour, it doesn't mean we have to stay in a bad humor. We are in control of our moods and attitudes; our moods are not in control of us.
The further problem with allowing bad moments to ruin our whole day, is we will be in danger of letting bad days pile up on top of each other until bad days, rather than good, rule our lives. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Maybe we should think of having "one of those days" in a new light, a day filled with God's lovingkindness, no matter how many minor inconveniences come our way.
She was only making conversation, but I did think of how often I've heard people comment in exasperation, "it's just been one of those days," meaning something went wrong at the beginning of the day and then everything they did after that went downhill. However, there is no reason for one bad incident to bring on another bad incident, unless we begin to focus on irritations. Then annoyances can, and often do, gain control of our attitude, and attitude is what determines what kind of day we have. Don't buy into Murphy's law "if anything can go wrong, it will." (No one is really certain who Murphy was, and his "law" certainly isn't a law at all.)
It is possible to ruin an entire day by merely thinking it was spoiled from the start. It is also possible to have a productive day by not giving credence and power to minor aggravations. It's the same for "waking up in a bad mood." If our disposition is sour, it doesn't mean we have to stay in a bad humor. We are in control of our moods and attitudes; our moods are not in control of us.
The further problem with allowing bad moments to ruin our whole day, is we will be in danger of letting bad days pile up on top of each other until bad days, rather than good, rule our lives. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Maybe we should think of having "one of those days" in a new light, a day filled with God's lovingkindness, no matter how many minor inconveniences come our way.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Happiness Habit
My effort to remain optimistic has been challenged many times over the past week as I have encountered an abundance of situations which appeared to be engineered to feed my cynicism. With bad news and nonsense running rampant, it seems to be so much easier to complain than it is to "keep on the sunny side." But I know it doesn't have to be that way. Since I am, in all honesty, quite happy with my life, I have few valid reasons to complain. For many of us, myself included, expressing dissatisfaction at a moment's notice is more of a habit than anything else.
Even when something unfortunate befalls us or an obstacle lands in our path, an old stand-by piece of advice from my days of motivational speaking does hold true: We can't control what happens to us in life, but we can control how we react to what happens to us. (This is one problem with optimism, for me; I tend to rely on trite comments when trying be cheerful. I've evidently managed to convince myself crankiness somehow fuels creativity.)
Dissatisfaction with the status quo is not necessarily a bad thing. Complaining about a wrong situation to those who can do something about it can be an effective means of changing that situation for the better. However, complaining to everyone other than those who can address an issue, or complaining without offering solutions, is not so effective. In addition, complaining about traffic, the weather or how others choose to dress or wear their hair, for instance, is not productive. Making incessant, negative comments about things we can't change only serves to bring more negativity into our lives and the lives of everyone around us.
Seek joy and set aside griping. Only complain about circumstances we can do something about, and then, only fuss if it leads to action and positive change. As believers, when we try to achieve these kinds of attitudes it is a worthy goal. It's a good way to demonstrate we are casting aside worry and walking in faith. If we want to spread the Good News, let's ditch the complaining and develop the happiness habit. (I'll try to work on profound comments another time. Platitudes will have to do for now.)
Oh, and have a nice day. : )
Even when something unfortunate befalls us or an obstacle lands in our path, an old stand-by piece of advice from my days of motivational speaking does hold true: We can't control what happens to us in life, but we can control how we react to what happens to us. (This is one problem with optimism, for me; I tend to rely on trite comments when trying be cheerful. I've evidently managed to convince myself crankiness somehow fuels creativity.)
Dissatisfaction with the status quo is not necessarily a bad thing. Complaining about a wrong situation to those who can do something about it can be an effective means of changing that situation for the better. However, complaining to everyone other than those who can address an issue, or complaining without offering solutions, is not so effective. In addition, complaining about traffic, the weather or how others choose to dress or wear their hair, for instance, is not productive. Making incessant, negative comments about things we can't change only serves to bring more negativity into our lives and the lives of everyone around us.
Seek joy and set aside griping. Only complain about circumstances we can do something about, and then, only fuss if it leads to action and positive change. As believers, when we try to achieve these kinds of attitudes it is a worthy goal. It's a good way to demonstrate we are casting aside worry and walking in faith. If we want to spread the Good News, let's ditch the complaining and develop the happiness habit. (I'll try to work on profound comments another time. Platitudes will have to do for now.)
Oh, and have a nice day. : )
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Kitties and Rainbows
After last week's blog, a couple of my friends expressed concern I might be trading off honesty in favor of optimism. My somewhat facetious reply was, "I don't know that I can write about 'rainbows and kitties' all of the time and feel as though I'm remaining true to my beliefs, but I do think I can, perhaps, make an effort to avoid politics, in particular, and its polarizing effects." Having said that, in my first week into my renewed efforts toward optimism, I have decided to share a story about a kitten. Our kitten, specifically.
Shortly after my dad passed away, just over two years ago, his cat made the short journey from his place to ours to take up residence. This past June, at the age of 14(old for an outside cat, I believe), she evidently decided it was time to go. One Monday, she stopped eating. We didn't notice she was otherwise acting sick or unusual; she just didn't eat. As the week went on, we figured out what she was doing, and by Saturday, we found her dead in her favorite flower bed. After a short memorial service, whereby her devotion to my father was noted, we buried her near the garden.
Because of the need for mouse control in our outbuildings, we decided to get another cat. Shortly after, Max, a lively kitten who had been abandoned in town, was adopted to fill the role of chief mouser. Perhaps because of his gratitude at being rescued from a life of dodging cars, or maybe because he honestly has a sense of humor, he is the sweetest cat I have ever known. He loves to sit on laps and gently stroke our faces with his soft little paws, and he is unrestrained in his delight at making us laugh: stalking, jumping out from behind anything, playing madly with a ball. He is determined to out-kitten all other cats.
And he reminds me of the wild abandon we should show in loving others, which is the way we fulfill God's commandment to us. Max does his job of catching rodents, and without reservations, with no hesitation, enjoys life while doing it and apparently, desires for us, his family, to savor life, too. He is my current role model. I'm not proposing we're only here to be the entertainment for everyone else, but I do want to enjoy every day to the same extent our kitten does, letting go of worries, living to the fullest and imparting joy. Don't you?
Shortly after my dad passed away, just over two years ago, his cat made the short journey from his place to ours to take up residence. This past June, at the age of 14(old for an outside cat, I believe), she evidently decided it was time to go. One Monday, she stopped eating. We didn't notice she was otherwise acting sick or unusual; she just didn't eat. As the week went on, we figured out what she was doing, and by Saturday, we found her dead in her favorite flower bed. After a short memorial service, whereby her devotion to my father was noted, we buried her near the garden.
Because of the need for mouse control in our outbuildings, we decided to get another cat. Shortly after, Max, a lively kitten who had been abandoned in town, was adopted to fill the role of chief mouser. Perhaps because of his gratitude at being rescued from a life of dodging cars, or maybe because he honestly has a sense of humor, he is the sweetest cat I have ever known. He loves to sit on laps and gently stroke our faces with his soft little paws, and he is unrestrained in his delight at making us laugh: stalking, jumping out from behind anything, playing madly with a ball. He is determined to out-kitten all other cats.
And he reminds me of the wild abandon we should show in loving others, which is the way we fulfill God's commandment to us. Max does his job of catching rodents, and without reservations, with no hesitation, enjoys life while doing it and apparently, desires for us, his family, to savor life, too. He is my current role model. I'm not proposing we're only here to be the entertainment for everyone else, but I do want to enjoy every day to the same extent our kitten does, letting go of worries, living to the fullest and imparting joy. Don't you?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A New Day
This past Monday, my husband and I celebrated our thirty-first wedding anniversary. During the good-natured banter which resulted from discussing the occasion with our friends, I was again reminded of how very blessed I am, in every way. I was also reminded of the importance of laughter and maintaining a good sense of humor, and it dawned on me I have been terribly serious of late. In this blog and elsewhere.
On the day after my anniversary, I had an opportunity to give a motivational presentation to a local group, and as I was sharing my thoughts with them about the choices we all make every day regarding attitude and happiness, I found I was in need of the same advice I was dishing out: Lighten up.
As the presidential race goes into full attack mode, more than a year away from the 2012 election, I am already weary of the nonsense ("I love God more than you!") and rancor ("But I hate you!") surrounding the process, as I'm sure many others are, as well. And yet, my temptation is to jump into the fray and add my two cents. Well, I'm praying, "Lead me not into temptation."
Most regular readers of this blog have a pretty good idea of where I stand on many issues which have become (sometimes wrongly) politicized in this country. In my recent days of enlightenment, I have realized I am most likely not going to change anyone's political opinion, and further, that has never really been my goal. Controversy is a good way to alienate and cause strife, and I don't want to do either.
My aim is to challenge us all to think about how our spiritual life and beliefs should be manifest in everything we do, every day. While I personally remain passionate about certain issues, in this forum I'm hoping to back away from what tends to cause division and steer toward that which unites and encourages. I'll do my agitating elsewhere. (I do reserve the right to challenge believers to be socially responsible, but will try to limit my thoughts to that which happens outside the political process.)
I claim to be an optimist, and I need to put that assertion back at the top of my list of priorities. I've been a little gloomy lately, and it's time for a change. Let's make a pact, what do you say? What if we try to find common ground even when we disagree, find joy even when things aren't going so great and love one another no matter what? It's a new day dawning on a new season, and I'm back on the Good News train!
On the day after my anniversary, I had an opportunity to give a motivational presentation to a local group, and as I was sharing my thoughts with them about the choices we all make every day regarding attitude and happiness, I found I was in need of the same advice I was dishing out: Lighten up.
As the presidential race goes into full attack mode, more than a year away from the 2012 election, I am already weary of the nonsense ("I love God more than you!") and rancor ("But I hate you!") surrounding the process, as I'm sure many others are, as well. And yet, my temptation is to jump into the fray and add my two cents. Well, I'm praying, "Lead me not into temptation."
Most regular readers of this blog have a pretty good idea of where I stand on many issues which have become (sometimes wrongly) politicized in this country. In my recent days of enlightenment, I have realized I am most likely not going to change anyone's political opinion, and further, that has never really been my goal. Controversy is a good way to alienate and cause strife, and I don't want to do either.
My aim is to challenge us all to think about how our spiritual life and beliefs should be manifest in everything we do, every day. While I personally remain passionate about certain issues, in this forum I'm hoping to back away from what tends to cause division and steer toward that which unites and encourages. I'll do my agitating elsewhere. (I do reserve the right to challenge believers to be socially responsible, but will try to limit my thoughts to that which happens outside the political process.)
I claim to be an optimist, and I need to put that assertion back at the top of my list of priorities. I've been a little gloomy lately, and it's time for a change. Let's make a pact, what do you say? What if we try to find common ground even when we disagree, find joy even when things aren't going so great and love one another no matter what? It's a new day dawning on a new season, and I'm back on the Good News train!
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