Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
The other day someone asked me how I was. Without meaning to sound like Tony the Tiger, I responded, “I’m great!” They looked at me like I was from a different planet and with a surprised voice said, “Really? Wow. That’s wonderful.”
Perhaps I was the first person in some time to respond in such a positive manner. As I think about it, most people I ask that question say things like, “Oh, I’m ok.” Or, “Hanging in there.” Or, “I’m so busy I don’t even know anymore.” I think these people should follow the lead of the band First Edition, who sang, “I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.”
I don’t consider myself a Pollyanna wearing rose colored glasses. I know the world is on fire and the hose is running dry. There is war in the Middle East, war in Ukraine, wars all over the place. We keep experiencing wild weather events caused by climate change. Our government is dysfunctional, and we don’t even seem able to talk to one another civilly about the issues we face. No Pollyanna here.
But today, I am awed by the wonders of fall; the changing leaves, the cooler days, apples picked right off the tree! Today, I am embraced by the love of family and friends, and I refuse to let those whose feelings toward me are not quite so positive cause me to forget that love. Today, I am healthy and well, able to do the things I enjoy even as the pessimist in me is waiting for something to go wrong. Shoot, even the Minnesota Vikings won last night!
I know I can easily get caught up in the negative side of life, not just on a global scale but on a personal level as well. I have my struggles and challenges, too. But today, I hear the voice of Jesus reminding me of what is good, both in my life and in the world. As long as I can be mindful of these things, the burden of life’s struggles and challenges does seem a little lighter, and I can still say, “I’m great!”
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