Choose Love

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How did we get here? Where the president of the United States is calling Dr. Fauci an “idiot,” and an entire news organization “bastards?” It’s not really surprising coming from DT, but damn… the rhetoric seems to get worse and worse by the day. Insults like this are never o.k.

It’s unacceptable talk coming from a “leader,” but perhaps worse yet, he is giving his followers the green light to also talk and act in such despicable ways. This isn’t just election cycle nastiness; it’s a pattern that mustn’t be normalized or accepted. (Side note: if you haven’t already voted… make your plan!)

Thank God it is Fall, because at least here in the Midwest, we can look out our windows and marvel at scenes of beauty. The trees in all their autumnal glory, the way the leaves crunch under your feet as you walk down the street. (Minnesotans - that early snowfall, not so nice, but it can be beautiful too, can it not?!!) The cinnamon-laced sweet smell of an apple pie baking in the oven. These are little moments of respite in a world that is so strange and disturbing these days.

The crazy world will still be there, and these brief respites cannot erase all the wrongs.  Yet I’m finding more and more that it’s crucial to focus on things of beauty. 

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi,  

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Think about these things. Think about these things.

If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to let the head get filled with the ugly and the bad news. It takes a bit more effort to look for the good. But it is there, and it is worth looking for.

Because when I look for the good, and when I find it… it reminds me that there is yet hope for these troubled times.

Where do you find the good? Where do you find the hope?

Maybe you find it through family, friends, or even complete strangers. Maybe you find it in the changing of the seasons. Maybe you find it as you gather (for now, virtually!) with a faith community.

I find some good in the “Choose Love” sign that stands as a reminder next to a Little Free Library on my daily walking path. I find some good in the many generous financial gifts made to Lutherdale this week, ensuring that our local Bible camp can remain viable and impactful for so many. I find some good in anticipation of a “Love is the Way” book study starting up soon in our congregation. (Check it out wherever you get your books… "Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times,” by Bishop Michael Curry.)

Friends wherever you are, and whatever you are doing these days… find some good. And always choose love.

Comments

Cindy Hslverdon said…
Chose love and make a gift to Lutherdale! 👍
October 23, 2020 at 5:33 AM
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