Good Words Then...Good Words Now

 Good morning, and welcome!!

These days, in some ways, are not good days.  There is a lot going on that probably shouldn’t be happening.  Everything from the war in the Middle East to the fact that it’s unseasonably warm in Kansas make it seem like things are going off the rails.  And we are pretty much powerless to do something about any of it.

We see a lot in the world that isn’t as we know it should be.  We continue to see mass shootings.   We continue to see political differences turn into hatred for the other side.  We continue to see the homeless on the streets, in the alleys, and in our parks.  We continue to see the near homeless flounder as they are drawn deeper into the poverty whirlpool.

We see our churches becoming more and more empty as people abandon church families and religious organizations.  We see our children mesmerized by a screen and mini-computer they can carry in their hand.  We see the wealthy become more so at the expense of the rest of us.  And we see the erosion of the public education system as more and more  requirements, regulations, and child-rearing responsibilities are placed upon it.

If I have seemed to be in a sort of depression today because of what I’ve said, you are correct.  It has been difficult this week for me to see the good, the right, and the beautiful.  I know it’s there.  I know God works in magnificent ways to provide beauty, color, peace, and grace to his creation.

Sometimes, though, it seems that the poverty, the yelling and screaming, the greed and the selfishness are drowning out the beauty and peace...shoving them off to the side as they demand my attention…creating in me various emotions and thoughts that cause stress, grief, and sadness.  And this, I believe, is deliberate on the part of those who are doing the yelling, the screaming, the coveting, the stealing, the merchandising.

Yet out of all of this, at times the still, small voice of God breaks through with His message of love, peace, and joy.  And if I listen…really listen…I can hear that message in the singing of the robin, the wren, and the dove.  I can hear it in the stillness of the night.  I can hear it in the shouts and shrieks of children at play in the park.  And I can feel that message when one of my grands hugs me.  I can feel it when the breeze is just the right temperature and velocity.  I can feel it when I receive a firm handshake and greeting from one of my church family.

I know that if I look for it…if I block out all of the garbage…I can appreciate and enjoy what God has provided.

I am reminded of a passage of scripture that Paul the apostle wrote centuries ago.  In his letter to the Philippians, he said this:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Good words then.  Good words now.

Blessings.