Pick Again

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

I’m sure we’ve all had those moments when we really wanted to “tell it like it is” or truly give someone a “piece of our mind” but we didn’t .  In all truthfulness, that’s probably a good thing and I firmly believe the Holy Spirit clamps down my tongue often before I spit out something I’d regret later.  I’ve discovered the older I get the easier it is to keep my negative thoughts to myself and I have the Holy Spirit and a sweet little nun to thank for that.  I had several lovely visits with Sister Margaret a few years ago and sometimes her powerful and loving words pop into my head at the most random times.  Perhaps her greatest advice was to “let nothing pass your lips unless it leaves a heart better, happier or more in love with the Lord….and that includes your own.”

There is plenty to spout off about and it seems to be in style these days but it doesn’t seem to be making anything or anyone better.  So in trying to figure out what to do instead of being sucked down into the mud; I remembered Sisters advice about picking something better.  Our days are full of beautiful things but they aren’t always the things I pick to look at, think about or focus on first.  Sisters words rang in my ears all last week and here’s how they worked…

*I can think about how challenging it is to teach during a pandemic; all the extras, the changes, the masks, the protocols or I can pick something else.  I can pick the kindergartners who were in the middle of a giggle fest as the tried to help each other put on their snow boots.

*I can think about the days that start 40 minutes earlier than any other year or I can wake up and smile because some fabulous mystery person had a brand new fancy Keurig Coffee Maker shipped to me.  It was a complete surprise that still makes me smile every time I think about the day that big box  was delivered!  I can think a bout how rude people on TV are or I can pick the absolute generous thoughtfulness from a stranger who knows that coffee is something I love!

*I can think about the unrest in our country or I can pick the middle lovelies who make me laugh every day and surprise me and frustrate me and remind me everyday that I have the hardest and best job ever because I have a chance to watch them grow as leaders and disciples and I have hope that someday they’ll take all the the life lessons they’re learning and make great leaders…better leaders…faithful leaders.

*I can think of all the ways I fall short or I’m not enough or I can pick the beautiful life God’s given me.  The family, friends, community, students, parents; all of them who God has plunked me right in the middle of and be so grateful.

*I can think about the cold and snow and Michigan gray or I can pick the promise of spring that lies under that snow.

*I can think about all the ministry and travel and people I’m missing our on during this pandemic or I can pick the peace and time I have to read, study and be with my family.

*I can think about getting old; gray hairs, joints that don’t move as fluidly as they once did or I can pick the fact that those things have brought me to the stage in life where I get to meet my first grand baby any day now.

*I can think about my baby girl getting married and moving to Missouri or I can pick the joy in knowing she is about to begin a wonderful life together with a mad who adores her and I get to watch their happily ever after unfold.

I think Sister Margaret would want us to focus on inviting Jesus and his Holy Spirit into our own thought and words and actions so we could pick the things that would make the world better, happier and pleasing to the Lord.  We won’t be judged in groups or towns or countries…it’s a solo event.  I can’t change anything except myself, so this week…I pick positive and grateful and peaceful!

A Seed To Plant:  What will you pick this week?​

Blessings on your day!