Mid-summer, the heat and humidity continue unabated day after day. So too does the ever-disturbing news, be it on television or social media. Just when it seems like circumstances have finally settled down and turned a corner, yet another unwelcome issue seems to pop up… and it’s back to square one. Occasionally this reaches a point where we need to tread easy, and turn off the world for a little while. Thus, allowing for some quiet space, the better to regain our equilibrium… not to mention peace of mind!
Staying abreast of current events is important, but not to where it causes distress, thereby disturbing the daily routine of our lives. Every generation has experienced this to one degree or another. Such reactions to outside difficulties and trouble are nothing new.
However, with the advent of the internet and various social media, we are made more acutely aware of all that is happening in the world today – both good and bad. Except that you rarely hear about the good. And there are indeed, fine and wonderful things taking place in the world today. But you would never know this from the present news cycle.
Current world events are one thing, but we also have our own personal lives with issues that must be dealt with as well.
Adding it all together, there are times when we are dealing with some serious over-load here. And the need to step back and simply breathe becomes imperative. But how? The world doesn’t stop just because we want to get off for a short while.
Life goes on, and we go with it… like it or not. We can’t control or change outside events; worrying about them won’t help. They’re going to happen regardless. However, we do have the power to control our approach or view of them.
St. Paul in his letter to the Philippian’s wrote the following…
“Whatsoever things are true and honourable, whatsoever is pure and lovely,
whatever is admirable and pleasing, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –
think about these things… put them into practice,
And the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul wrote this from Rome, where he was imprisoned… the voice of experience here.
An antidote for a mind troubled by the world…or even difficulties closer to home. Think of the good, of the pleasant things… for they far outweigh the bad.
The presence of God’s peace surrounding you can help put the world – and life – back into perspective. Making the day seem a little brighter, and the dark of night easier to bear. Your step will be lighter; the world less menacing or threatening.
And thereby equilibrium is regained… and you can move forward in confidence, head held high once more. We do the best we can with what we have.
That is more than good enough these days.
6 thoughts on “Whatsoever…”
“We do the best we can with what we have.” Well said, my friend!
And oftentimes our best is better than we give ourselves credit for!!
Hi Bev, Great and enjoyable post. Jim
Thank you Jim!
AMEN!!!
Short and to the point!! Couldn’t have said it better!