Good Monday morning...

… and while the news is full of mess and muck of unbelievable proportions, each day is one in which to give thanks for the people in our lives who make a difference.  I find that turning my attention to the people for whom I am thankful, my mood lightens and my smile broadens.

When we are inundated with news that we’re not even sure is true, our emotions are on alert… if its true, then I feel this way, but if its fake, AI generated news, then I feel differently.  Confusion is an energy sucker that costs too much time and emotional energy detrimental to our well-being.  But, when I think about my family, my workmates, my Pickleball buddies, and especially about the people with whom I worship the Lord… then my mood transforms for the better.  It is “way better” to dwell on these loved ones than to dwell on the manipulated mess posing as news.

I appreciate my friends who have mastered the balance of staying informed of the news while keeping it all in perspective through humor and logic.  Election seasons are always very challenging to find our way through as we are bombarded with ads of mudslinging, hypothetical and exaggerated dangers, or twisted truths that make voting difficult.  It’s those friends who are able to see the bigger picture and exercise the democratic power of voting with confidence that inspire me.

I have a few difference makers that steady my footing.  I find their communication honest and often uplifting.  One such person shares a spiritual connection that always builds me up, not puffing me up, but truly encouraging me toward better decisions.  Another voice for me is deeply dedicated to science and reasonability.  Both friends trusted for their unique and thoughtful perspectives, and both lighten my mood and broaden my smile, while simultaneously challenging me to think deeper and act in love.

My word of encouragement to you this week is to contact one or two of these people in your life who contribute to your well-being, who challenge you toward your better selves.  Listen to them.  Laugh with them.  Go deep with them.  Replace the static of unverified news with clear communication based on love and mutual respect.  Find time to dwell with those for whom you are thankful.

Wisdom tells us that trust in the Lord is beneficial for a smooth path in life.  It is my experience that the Lord often verifies His Word with the good people in my life who give me balance between the chaos of international and national news and the joy of personal relationships.  It is not avoiding the news, rather finding comfort in knowing that God has put good people in my life to navigate the chaos.

For His glory,

Pastor Mike