Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “People only see what they are prepared to see.”
How do you see the world?
In this time of fear and darkness and suspicion, it can be easy to see the world as depressing and scary. You watch the news or read the headlines and brace yourself, preparing to see the worst, right? I get it… I do — it can be pretty dark out there, but can you still see beauty and goodness and hope too?
You can if you are prepared to. So, I ask again, how do you see the world?
“She shouldn’t have done that.” “How could she think that?” “I can’t believe she actually went there!” “I would never do that…”
Sound familiar? Anyone ever whispered phrases like that in your ear? Or, have you ever muttered them under your breath?
I’ve heard that kind of stuff and said that junk and thought it too! When it comes to being judgmental, I admit, I have blown it!
Okay, I just need to call it what it is… discouraging. Disappointing. Deflating. Depressing. Yes, I’m talking about this election year! It’s crazy!
We’ve got enough collective concern and anxiety to fill the Grand Canyon ten times over!
Lots of us feel worried and even disgusted about what is going on in America during this crazy election season, right?
It’s so easy to get discouraged, isn’t it? Life hits us hard and trials last too long and we just get worn out trying to stand firm in faith. Or, sometimes we are in the thick of doing good, serving God and it just seems like progress is slow, our confidence is low and discouragement is high.
I’ve felt discouraged for both reasons lately. I’ve felt overwhelmed and under-qualified to rise to the demands of ministry. I’ve fallen into a confidence crisis and just plain felt defeated. And, at the same time, my sweet Dad has been in the hospital, fighting pain and infection. My mom is worn out caring for him and instead of things getting better, they just seem to get worse. As soon as we see some progress, the next day, his fever spikes and our hope deflates. It is just downright discouraging.
One of the most treasured things I own is broken. But, I still love it.
Here’s the back story:
In college, my friend Tony broke up with his fiancé – or maybe she broke up with him — I never really knew for sure. But, what was for sure is that the jeweler wouldn’t give him his money back when he returned the engagement ring. Bad for brokenhearted Tony. Good for supportive friend Jennifer!
Is every conversation you have with your family members or co-workers perfectly calm, controlled and pleasant? (I know, I know, you’re laughing!)
Married women: ever had one of those conversations with your husband where you get heated, he gets heated and then…bang! A full-blown fight explodes.
Moms: ever had one of those conversations with your teenager where you get heated, she gets heated and then…bang! A full-blown fight explodes?
Working women: ever had one of those conversations with your co-worker where you get heated, she gets heated and then… bang! Hopefully a full-blown fight doesn’t explode, but inside, are you an inferno?
