Starting Over - Day 2

Yesterday, one of the readers of my blog made a great point concerning how others often interfere with our efforts to to move forward in our lives. We all mess up, we all make mistakes, and sometimes those actions impact others. Despite our best efforts to repent, ask forgiveness or seek reconciliation, some people refuse to allow us to a second chance.

It is truly tragic when others carry these large invisitble sacks around filled with all the sins, failings and mistakes that others have made. Whenever we trip or stumble, they reach deep down in their sack and provide us a running history of everything we have ever done wrong. This mean-spirited approach to life is tragic for two reasons: 1) I have a hard enough time with the guilt, shame and challenges of getting past the mistakes in my own life; 2) I can't imagine adding to that burden by keeping a ledger of everyone else's failings. What a truly miserable existence.

So, how do we deal with mean-spirited folks who would hinder our spiritual growth, put obstacles in our way as we try to navigate forward through life? It is easy to say ignore them, don't pay attention to their rants, but some folks seem to get great joy out of making our lives difficult. It feels as though all their anger and vitriol is being directed only at us. For what is worth, here are a few suggestions:

1. Pray for them. Yes, I know it is hard, but praying has a calming emotional affect on our spirits and it also changes things. God can and will intercede when nothing else seems to be working.
2. Try to understand why. What is it in the person's life, or past that makes them so hateful? Sometimes knowing the facts provides us a greater capacity to excercise grace and forgiveness towards that person.
3. Remember people only have as much control as we allow them to have. When you get hurt, angry, and bitter because of another's actions - you are turning control of your emotions over to those who care the least for you. Personally, I don't want my "enemies" to have that kind of power over my attempts to live victoriously.

So, here we are at the crossroads of another day. Someone is just waiting to rain on your parade, pour salt in an old wound, or tell you that your Pollyanna approach to life is naive and foolish. Its up to you how much control you will cede to that person.

Carpe Diem!

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."

Today

It's Sunday, August 22, 2010. What's so special about today? As trite as it may sound, it is the first day of the rest of my life. I wish I could say that I start today without any baggage, history or problems, but 51 years of living makes that impossible. The only way I can repair the challenges of the past and insure a productive and fulfilling future is to change how I live today.

Yes, I have been at this place in my life before - fed up, determined and committed to positive change. How many times have I said, "I am going to eat better, exercise, or work on my personal goals. This time it is going to be different." That is when the voice of doubt and discouragement tries to kick in. What is different this time?  Not a lot really!

Win or lose, victory or defeat, trial or triumph - there have been some very basic character triats that keep me going, keep me believing, keep me moving in the direction of my dreams.

• Optimism. I believe we can change the future. I believe that God has endowed us with power, given us His Spirit, and wants what is best for His children. I can get kicked in the gut today and still believe that tomorrow is going to be a better day.
• Opportunity. Everywhere I look there are opportunities for achievement. You don't agree? What about personal fitness. I can eat better, exercise and take steps to being a healthier me. Are you aware in the midst of this lousy economy people are starting new businesses, beginning new careers and pursuing opportunities they have dreamed about for a lifetime.
• Opposition. We were born into this world with a survival instinct. You have to fight for the things you want. Life isn't delivered to you on a silver platter. I'm sorry but your fortune cookie probably doesn't have today's winning lottery numbers on it. Opposition to our muscles us make us stronger, opposition in life isn't much different. Overcome just one obstacle today and you will be better because of it.

So, thank you father for another day. A day of opportunities!  A day of change! A day of renewal! Forgive me for the failures of yesterday and lead me through the land mines in my tomorrows, but "this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Summer is coming

"Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, 'What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now.' Yes, evil often seems to surpass good. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope."  Vincent Van Gogh

When you read the troubled history of someone like Van Gogh and then you read such words of encouragement and optimism, it serves as a stark reminder of the highs and lows we all face in life. What permutation of life came when Vincent penned those words? How many dark nights had he endured before a few calming rays of sunshine warmed him from the cold of a long winter?

I have often been criticized for my unapologetic optimism. Even when life has dealt to me from the bottom of the deck, I have always believed there is a better life ahead of me. I tire of those who claim I am not a realist, that I look at the world through rose-colored glasses. Maybe so, but I am  happier for it.

May has already been a dark, cold winter in my life. A week ago I thought I would buckle under the load. There are still miles for me to run in this current marathon I have started. There are projects to finish, foolish people to deal with, places I must go and challenges that must be faced. In every marathon there is a point where runners ask themselves, "Is it worth it," or "do I have the strength to finish?" Some drop out and others press on to the finish line.

Like Van Gogh, I know that summer is coming. The winter of my discontent will fade under the unrelenting warmth of the summer sun. If  the forecast for your life is dark and rainy, do not despair, sunshine is on its way.