Sweet or sour. Two words that often bring to mind Chinese food as in sweet and sour pork, or chicken. Or maybe it's just me because I truly enjoy sweet and sour Chinese food. But notice the slightly subtle variation here; I didn't state sweet and sour in my title. Instead it was stated sweet or sour. Why? Well, the answer is that I'm not talking about Chinese food. I'm talking about life and where we hope it to lead us.
I know that many people are suffering today. Unemployment impacts a large number, insufficient funds to pay bills because of this and working hour cutbacks is another and, of course, let's not forget all the concern we have about our healthcare today with Obamacare and its obvious negative impact. And many, many more issues could be listed but let's just say that we know many negative issues are out there. Many of us put all of our problems together like putting all our eggs in one basket and it makes us fearful. Will we be able to handle what is going on? Will we survive? And if we aren't careful the fear can make us reluctant to do anything, to become inactive and frozen in place, and, often, just plain sour on life. If left unchecked, it can result in becoming totally inward, suspicious of everything and withdrawn from others, not someone pleasant to be around and not someone in a general frame of mind to solve problems.
On the other hand, despite all of the bad things we see happening around us, and the chaos and confusion that seems to be increasing, there is still much about life to love and cherish. We just need to take the time to open our eyes, and look about us. It is always there. And once we open our eyes, maybe that will help us open our hearts.
Take a walk with nature. Watch her in action. This time of year, Autumn, offers the beauty of the changing colors and all of the many small animals busily scampering about to gather food for the winter. Even we humans seem to move about more energetically in the cooler weather and this in-between season should be enjoyed with the still often warm days but cool nights.
Spend time with your children or grandchildren; watch the joy in their eyes and their laughter as they go about doing what children do, carefree from the worries of the world at this point in their lives. If you are happily married, take time to savor your good fortune in having a spouse who loves you and cares for you and let them know just how much you appreciate them. They need to hear this often; they need to be told that you love them. It is something that lightens their spirit and brings sweetness to life. It is really true that love makes the world go 'round.
And, folks, there is another sweetness in life. It is a sweetness that is larger than life itself and it is there for the asking. It is the sweetness that Our Lord and Savior has for us. It is a love that is endless and is greater than any other love there is. By suffering the ultimate sacrifice for us in a most horrific and humiliating public display, Jesus gave us the most wondrous gift there is: the gift of Eternal Life. All we have to do is put Him first in our life by loving Him, honoring Him, following Him and living our life in a manner that is pleasing to Him. And He knows that we will sometimes make mistakes, but He wants us to commit to working hard to avoid them. Through meditation, prayer, living a life kindly toward others, and, yes, Bible study and regular church attendance, we can build strength to face all odds while maintaining peace and enhancing sweetness for life. We will be secure in the knowledge that He "has our back" and we, in turn, can shed our fears, sorrows, and even a sour outlook on life by turning our concerns over to Him.
The way we decide to handle things using the free will that He has given us, will determine the outcome both now and forever. So what's it going to be? Sweet or sour. It's time to decide. Choose wisely.
God bless you all. Have a wonderful week. It will be wonderful regardless of what happens if you choose the sweet side of life.
I know that many people are suffering today. Unemployment impacts a large number, insufficient funds to pay bills because of this and working hour cutbacks is another and, of course, let's not forget all the concern we have about our healthcare today with Obamacare and its obvious negative impact. And many, many more issues could be listed but let's just say that we know many negative issues are out there. Many of us put all of our problems together like putting all our eggs in one basket and it makes us fearful. Will we be able to handle what is going on? Will we survive? And if we aren't careful the fear can make us reluctant to do anything, to become inactive and frozen in place, and, often, just plain sour on life. If left unchecked, it can result in becoming totally inward, suspicious of everything and withdrawn from others, not someone pleasant to be around and not someone in a general frame of mind to solve problems.
On the other hand, despite all of the bad things we see happening around us, and the chaos and confusion that seems to be increasing, there is still much about life to love and cherish. We just need to take the time to open our eyes, and look about us. It is always there. And once we open our eyes, maybe that will help us open our hearts.
Take a walk with nature. Watch her in action. This time of year, Autumn, offers the beauty of the changing colors and all of the many small animals busily scampering about to gather food for the winter. Even we humans seem to move about more energetically in the cooler weather and this in-between season should be enjoyed with the still often warm days but cool nights.
Spend time with your children or grandchildren; watch the joy in their eyes and their laughter as they go about doing what children do, carefree from the worries of the world at this point in their lives. If you are happily married, take time to savor your good fortune in having a spouse who loves you and cares for you and let them know just how much you appreciate them. They need to hear this often; they need to be told that you love them. It is something that lightens their spirit and brings sweetness to life. It is really true that love makes the world go 'round.
And, folks, there is another sweetness in life. It is a sweetness that is larger than life itself and it is there for the asking. It is the sweetness that Our Lord and Savior has for us. It is a love that is endless and is greater than any other love there is. By suffering the ultimate sacrifice for us in a most horrific and humiliating public display, Jesus gave us the most wondrous gift there is: the gift of Eternal Life. All we have to do is put Him first in our life by loving Him, honoring Him, following Him and living our life in a manner that is pleasing to Him. And He knows that we will sometimes make mistakes, but He wants us to commit to working hard to avoid them. Through meditation, prayer, living a life kindly toward others, and, yes, Bible study and regular church attendance, we can build strength to face all odds while maintaining peace and enhancing sweetness for life. We will be secure in the knowledge that He "has our back" and we, in turn, can shed our fears, sorrows, and even a sour outlook on life by turning our concerns over to Him.
The way we decide to handle things using the free will that He has given us, will determine the outcome both now and forever. So what's it going to be? Sweet or sour. It's time to decide. Choose wisely.
God bless you all. Have a wonderful week. It will be wonderful regardless of what happens if you choose the sweet side of life.
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