Hope For Today

We live in a time when generations are exactly that - stubborn in their own definitions and views of things, rebellious against the principles and standards God says are what make for a successful life and society. At the core of it the problem is that our hearts are not set right and our spirits are not faithful to God.  How to live above this ourselves and be a good example to others?

We all have seasons where the routine of life seems to become dull and we feel less enthusiastic about what we are involved with than we previously did.  It is a fair question to ask why we are bored and impatient with where life is at today.  The real question is, what will we do about it?

What do we want to know? What do we actually need to know today in order to be successful and have a good day?

We’ve all had far too much experience of how life can be challenging at times.  Whether it is personal challenges, family dysfunction, difficulties at work, issues in the community, or world-wide problems, there are many things that can feel like a burden. How then can God promise us joy in the middle of it all? 

"Easy Does It" or “Take it Easy” are some well known and well used slogans that point us toward healthy responses to whatever is going on.  The thought behind these words is that we should slow down and relax and take a measured approach to a problem or to whatever seems complicated and frustrating to us.

I’m sure you’ve heard as I have this saying, "Let your conscience be your guide." God has given us a conscience as a tool to help us know right from wrong but we need to always surrender that conscience to God and His truth. Why?

One of the most respectful and generous gifts we can give another person is to really listen to them and receive the stories they have to tell us.

God had filled our world with good things – truth, blessings, His presence, hope and purpose – just to name a few.  St. Patrick’s life is certainly a witness to God’s power to be with us through the many different seasons we face.

We come to God and invite Him into all we are and do because our need for His peace and power is desperate in order for us to not only survive but to thrive in the good plans He’s prepared for us.

We live well when we live as the people God says we are even when we stumble and do and say things we wish we had not. 

Just for today I will be joyful, optimistic, and grateful.  I will take time to notice the gifts in me, in others, and in my surroundings and LET THE REST GO.

Just for today I will adjust myself to what is and not try to adjust everything else to my desires. I will trust that God is working all things for good in my life.