In a season of gratitude and giving, most of us gathered together yesterday to acknowledge our blessings and reflect on our thankfulness for them. But in the midst of all that, we can't pick up the newspaper, watch TV, or listen to the radio without wondering what's wrong with the world − there is no guessing anymore.
We simply can't escape the bombardment of negativity, even if we try to avoid it. But, I know if we let that negativity into our psyche, we will form opinions that might terribly skew our perception of the world, judge others inappropriately, and even inadvertently transform ourselves into part of the problem.
We simply can't escape the bombardment of negativity, even if we try to avoid it. But, I know if we let that negativity into our psyche, we will form opinions that might terribly skew our perception of the world, judge others inappropriately, and even inadvertently transform ourselves into part of the problem.
Frankly, I don't want want to be like scammers who prey on other people, a cheater or a liar, a person who practices "me-first" at the expense of others, a vessel of hate who wants to harm people, or someone who forgets how very blessed I am. (This is not to be confused with Luke 18:11 "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector."') I just don't want to be like them, and I pray I never will be (with God's help, of course).
Instead, I want to focus on what's right with the world, and yes, there are a lot of right things; I think people inherently want to do good. But, perhaps, the best news is we DO know how to make this world a better place.
Like most of us, I love this time of year. It's one of the times when the majority of humanity comes together and recognizes one another as our fellowman. We show what should be our true nature in wanting to help each other, taking care of those in need, binding over common causes, and basically allowing the goodness within us to do what our creator intended us to do.
So, here is my prayer for this upcoming season: I want the capacity to show grace to those who don't deserve it; I want the ability to forgive those who may have no remorse for their wrongs; I want to be more caring and understanding.
In short, I want to be a better person tomorrow than I am today, regardless of the negativity that I so want to avoid. I don't want this because I desire others to think well of me —I want it because that is what God tells me will make the world an even better place, and it starts with each of us.
In short, I want to be a better person tomorrow than I am today, regardless of the negativity that I so want to avoid. I don't want this because I desire others to think well of me —I want it because that is what God tells me will make the world an even better place, and it starts with each of us.
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