My first try was about two weeks ago. Over the course of about 72 hours, I wrote 700-plus words about...well, honestly, I'm not sure what it was about? Despite having a plan for what I wanted to talk about, the post veered off in so many different directions ranging from current events, to social issues, to the impact of social media on public discourse. It was really disjointed, lacking a sense of flow and to top it off, it was probably one of the most negative things I've ever written.
Which is interesting, because the point was to use those observations about the world to reflect on some points raised in a couple recent sermons and explore the practical application of those ideas in real life. I won't attempt to re-preach those here (I've included a link, though, if you're interested); what I will say is that, to link those sermons to the 700 words I wrote last weekend wouldn't have done the message, or, you know, GOD'S WORD, justice. Nor would it have been a particularly accurate picture of the type of person I strive to be - positive and kind, giving of my time, energy and resources, and just...generally interested in people.
So I did the only thing I could do: I deleted it.
And here we are. Let's try this again.
The last couple months have been tough. Much has happened, globally, regionally, locally, and I think it would be fair to say there are a lot of hurting people out there as a result. Human suffering is hardly a new thing, but lately, at least for me, it has been hitting a little closer to home.
I love my job, I truly do. It's work I find equal parts easy and insanely difficult. Easy, because I love talking to people, listening to what they have to say and crafting that information into a story to share with the community.
Difficult, because sometimes those stories hurt - to listen to, to write about, to read and to hear about. Difficult, because sometimes, working in the media leaves me feeling entirely over-saturated with these painful stories and feeling entirely helpless to do anything so I don't.
Instead, I do what everyone else does: I get angry and upset, make harsh judgements about both situations and the way others react to situations, and fixate on the negative elements of any given situation. The worst part is I react this way knowing it's ridiculous and that it accomplishes absolutely nothing. It's just easier and far more natural than the alternative.
As Jason Gray put it: fear is easy, love is hard.
so we draw up another dividing line. we label each other and we choose a side.
peace could come at quite a cost, so we won't build a bridge across.
fear is easy. love is hard.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that I do.
Romans 7:14-15
So what's a plugged-in, media-saturated,meaning-seeking, 20-something to do? Acknowledging all that - the negativity, the struggle, the shortcomings - is no doubt an important part of the process, but what's the next step? How do you turn from thoughts of what you ought not do to focusing on what you should do?
That's the question I found myself asking this week. Naturally, that's the question God saw fit to provide some answers for this morning as the series on 1 Peter continued:
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath receive the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11
Be earnest and disciplined in prayer. Show deep love to and honour others. Share your home. Use your gifts.
All these things sound simple and a heck of a lot more appealing than the alternative of focusing all your energy on the things you ought not/shouldn't/can't do...but let me tell you: it's hard.
Showing deep love and honour to someone who disrespects you is hard. Sharing your home with someone you don't know is hard. Identifying spiritual gifts when you're riddled with self-doubt is hard; as a result, using them can be even more difficult.
Keeping a good head on your shoulders, a steady mind and an open heart when it seems like life is just constantly kicking you in the face and there's so much crazy happening all the time is hard.
But hard doesn't have to mean impossible. Sometimes, it's just a matter of adjusting your perspective and taking a second to really ask the question: am I putting something other than God at the centre of my life?
"When you put God at the centre of who are you, he doesn't get wobbly." A direct quote from this morning's sermon, one that got at exactly I've been pondering. Because when it comes to following Christ, your attitude, your life, your focus...it all matters. Those things are a manifestation of your heart and provide a clear idea of what - who - you're rooted in.
It's not easy or doesn't come naturally, but that's OK. It's a process and, like many other processes, it requires time. It requires intention.
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise.
Thou mine inheritance now and always.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart.
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou are.
