We live in a broken world. I have never really doubted this, but it has certainly been in our face over the past months. So what kind of practical advice can we find about how to cope with all our fears, frustrations and challenges. I find encouragement in these words from St. Paul: "Examine all things. Firmly hold onto what is good."
This seems an excellent time to give some serious thought to how this might play out. What if we look at what we think is wrong and take a personal step to make things different? How about we set aside our bitterness and decide to be the change for someone on our block or a co-worker or a family member who might feel less than valued? What change can we make to be less angry and more involved?
Many of us lament the loss of the front porch, where we were more involved in each other's lives. And there were many good things about that that we can embrace. But there was also a lot of judgmental attitudes and narrowness that reserved help and hope for those that were "acceptable." I think we can do better. I believe God calls us to do better.
I appreciate watching The Princess Diaries because it reminds me that being a princess is not being a snotty, self-centered brat. It is someone who has responsibilities and can use their position to make a positive difference if they choose to do so. So that is always what comes to my mind when I remember that we are each the son or daughter of the King of Kings. We can see the world with honesty and courage and then choose to be a force for positive change. Or we can be sullen and whiny and expect everyone else to make things easy for us even as those around us suffer far more than we do.
With God's help, where can you be the good today?
* Thessalonians 5:21
This seems an excellent time to give some serious thought to how this might play out. What if we look at what we think is wrong and take a personal step to make things different? How about we set aside our bitterness and decide to be the change for someone on our block or a co-worker or a family member who might feel less than valued? What change can we make to be less angry and more involved?
Many of us lament the loss of the front porch, where we were more involved in each other's lives. And there were many good things about that that we can embrace. But there was also a lot of judgmental attitudes and narrowness that reserved help and hope for those that were "acceptable." I think we can do better. I believe God calls us to do better.
I appreciate watching The Princess Diaries because it reminds me that being a princess is not being a snotty, self-centered brat. It is someone who has responsibilities and can use their position to make a positive difference if they choose to do so. So that is always what comes to my mind when I remember that we are each the son or daughter of the King of Kings. We can see the world with honesty and courage and then choose to be a force for positive change. Or we can be sullen and whiny and expect everyone else to make things easy for us even as those around us suffer far more than we do.
With God's help, where can you be the good today?
* Thessalonians 5:21
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