The feeling in the air right now is one of desperation, frustration and hope. The words flying through the wind consist of "job-loss" , "debt" and "worry". I do not pretend to know much about the economy, in fact in high school it was one of my least favorite subjects, however along with most of America I feel the affects.
In the midst of the statistics there seems to be a loss and rememberance of our humanity. For many they were just a necessary cut in order to keep the company running. Then for others their buddy took a pay cut so that they could keep their jobs. The weight of being a human comes to this: How do we react to people in need? How do we respond to an economy crippling under our feet? Through the struggles politics comes into play. It seems that our nation's eyes are focused on one man. Although, Obama does not control the economy with his bare hands. Who knows what will come? Many politicians and buisness men sit together discussing how the problems can be changed. Will they triumph or fail?
Right now amongst the strain of the economy, people are reminded of what it means to be fully alive. Turning to the little things like a good book, a nice walk and chocolate. Soaking up the family they neglect and feeling the hope in that. One proverb my parents drilled into my head is the cup is always half full and never half empty. There is a moment I experienced in Haiti that illustrates this beautifully:
As we travelled from village to village we would throw out candy. One of the times we were throwing candy, a little boy picked up a piece and started shouting "merci" "merci" as if he had just won a million dollars. His jubilee came from a small piece of candy; he found hope and excitement in a tiny piece of candy.
The people of Haiti have no choice but to live simply and to find joy in the minute things. Today my prayer is that you will look at the example of the Haitian boy and that you will find celebration in the small elements of being alive. Eat chocolate chip cookies and sit on your front porch with a good friend, soak it all up. Smile, the glass is always half full!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Another World
This afternoon I am reminded that life is not perfect and that stress always seems to be rearing its ugly head right around the corner. Although, I have made great attempts to lessen my load and to feel completely at peace with life all by myself; I have figured out that this is impossible.
Hannah and I went to her hometown of Belton, TX this weekend for another shower she was having while we were at her house we worked on making invitations for the wedding. On Sunday afternoon her mom, grandma, Hannah and I worked tirelessly to put them together. As, I was sitting there we somehow got on to the topic of the supernatural. Hannah's grandma begin to tell stories about how an angel once helped her in a stressful situation. Then Hannah's mom told a few stories but there was one that really struck me. Hannah's great granddad was in the hospital and was nearly completely gone when Hannah's granddad revived him. As he awoke he said "If I ever get that way again do not revive me because that was the most wonderful place," he saw a glimpse of heaven.
After hearing that story something inside of me melted, I realized there is some place that is more beautiful than my wildest imagination. I have thought about afterlife and death before many times but I think sometimes I forget what it all means. There is another world beyond this one, that even the most breath-taking of landscapes I have seen pale in comparison to what it must be like.
In the midst of the stress of change and realizing the imperfections of it all, these thoughts give me hope. There is more beyond this life and during this life. The times ahead of us look grim and the economy we live in is very unstable but my prayer is that who ever reads this may have peace. Breathe in and out look at the clouds and remember there is more!
Hannah and I went to her hometown of Belton, TX this weekend for another shower she was having while we were at her house we worked on making invitations for the wedding. On Sunday afternoon her mom, grandma, Hannah and I worked tirelessly to put them together. As, I was sitting there we somehow got on to the topic of the supernatural. Hannah's grandma begin to tell stories about how an angel once helped her in a stressful situation. Then Hannah's mom told a few stories but there was one that really struck me. Hannah's great granddad was in the hospital and was nearly completely gone when Hannah's granddad revived him. As he awoke he said "If I ever get that way again do not revive me because that was the most wonderful place," he saw a glimpse of heaven.
After hearing that story something inside of me melted, I realized there is some place that is more beautiful than my wildest imagination. I have thought about afterlife and death before many times but I think sometimes I forget what it all means. There is another world beyond this one, that even the most breath-taking of landscapes I have seen pale in comparison to what it must be like.
In the midst of the stress of change and realizing the imperfections of it all, these thoughts give me hope. There is more beyond this life and during this life. The times ahead of us look grim and the economy we live in is very unstable but my prayer is that who ever reads this may have peace. Breathe in and out look at the clouds and remember there is more!
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