Why I'm am Optimist

I have been criticized at times for being a little too Pollyanna in my outlook on life. I am the eternal optimist. I believe that things will be better tomorrow than they are today and regardless of how bad things get, there is always some good to draw from the bumps and bruises of life.

WHY, when the world is so messed up, when our government is out of control, when our economy is in the toilet, would I choose to put a positive spin on things. You may be thinking, "is he so naive that he doesn't see all the crime, violence and attrocities being perpetratred in the world?" Why would you choose to be an optimist in the midst of all of this.

1. Because God is in control. He may weave shades of darkness and light into the tapestry of my existence, but He sees the beauty and splendor of the pattern when He is finished with me (Romans 8:28). I trust that he will safely guide me through the valle of the shadow of death.
2. Because I am happier because of it. It may be naive. You can call me clueless, but most days I am pretty content with my life. It ain't perfect, but its pretty good. I have it better than most of the folks on this planet. I have plenty of stuff (more than I will ever need), lots and lots of food, a good job, great friends, a loving church, an amazing family. So which is better really, to be thankful for all that, or complain and moan because someone took my parking spot at the mall - I just don't get some people.
3. Because happiness is a choice. None of our lives are perfect. I have watched cancer victims slip quietly into eternity whose optimism and positive attitude was an inspiration. I have seen others with every possible advantage, grumble, complain and whine about some stupid, silly matter that robs them not only of their happiness, but any joy their "stuff" might have brought them.

So, you can criticize me, laugh at my foolish and naive approach to life - that's alright! I am still choosing happiness over sorry, optimism over pessimism and trust in God over the discouragement of men. Honest Abe was right, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their mind to be."

Foundations of Freedom

As the celebration of our independence draws near I think it is important for us to remember why our founding fathers threw caution to the wind, "pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor," to this cause we call Liberty.

The American Revolution centered around one key principle, "throwing off the yoke of an oppressive government." The growth and prosperity of this new Republic was being threatened by a strong central government that imposed oppressive taxes and sought to control the freedoms and liberties of the people. We often forget that the threat these new colonies faced was from their own government (the primary reason we have the 2nd amendment - to protect us from our own government, not invading armies).

Today we are faced with the same threats. A strong central government that is taxing the life out of the citizenry, laying the burden of their own excesses on the backs of our children, while failing miserable with the most important mandate given to federal powers - protecting the citizens they serve. Terrorists and illegals flood across our borders, almost every month we hear of a new attempt by terrorists on our own soil and many of our leaders talk about the "rights" of our enemies.

Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence did sacrifice their lives, their fortunes, but never their sacred honor. They fought and died for freedom. The spent their fortunes in defense of liberty. They honored their commitments to the greater good and the chorus of freedom and liberty spread across the globe.

As the sun was rising over Lexington, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775 the first shots of the revolution were fired. "The shots heard round the world." Our founding fathers were willing to fight and die for freedom from an oppressive government, they made personal sacrifices for the cause of liberty, they were committted to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

As our national day of independence rapidly approachs, the question is what will we sacrifice to fend off an oppressive government? What actions will we take to insure that the financial burdens of our nation are not thrust on the backs of our children? Who will join me in pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor in defense of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

LIghten Up

I have done some pretty ignorant things in my life. From high school antics that nearly landed me in jail, to thrill-seeking adventures in developing countries that could have gotten me killed. With the exception of those times my actions and behaviors really hurt other people, I've had a great life.

I have accidentally walked into women's rest rooms and laughed at myself later. I have stood in the midst of crowded theme parks and done the YMCA song just to embarrass my children. Last year I decided to do a little Lynyrd Skynyrd karaoke on the cruise ship, only to be mocked by someone who sings even worse than I do.

Isn't it time we all lightened up a little bit and learn to live. Jane Austen wrote in one of her books, "What do we live for but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn." With that in mind I only have two suggestions in today's blog:

1. Learn to laugh at yourself. Don't be shy, don't be ashamed, don't be afraid. If you are living life with the volume turned all the way up, people will stare, they will make comments, they may even try to impune your character - so what. Don't rob yourself of the joy of the moment and don't let others rob you of it either.
2. Cut others some slack. If you haven't read "The Sisters of Angelica" post I added a couple of weeks ago, go back and read it. These women were loud, obnoxious and absolutely hilarious. I almost missed the chance to join in the revelry by judging them. Most people are just trying to squeeze a little joy out of the day. Who are we to rob them of that moment.

So, lighten up. Go out tonight and dance under the stars. Walk up and talk to a stranger in the supermarket (tell them you like their shoes and see what happens). Pick up the phone and swap a childhood memory with an old friend.