Looking ahead to Autumn, do you feel dizzy? Is your head swimming with all the crises that are piling up from Afghanistan to the Delta variant, to wild fires and hurricanes and earthquakes?
You know, with the news, “if it bleeds it leads.” But lately it’s almost impossible to find anything positive or uplifting in the news or on social media.
If it’s relief you want, you better find it yourself. That doesn’t mean completely tuning out bad news. But as we work and pray to mend our broken world, we need balance – a balance that comes with hopeful signs and soothing experiences that renew our motivation and strength.
Here are some experiences that help renew me:
- Discussing good books, and the Good Book, with friends;
- Snuggling on the sofa with our faithful sheepdog, Betty;
- Getting lost in a riveting TV mystery;
- Singing a ditty to our toddler granddaughter on Facebook, who claps and giggles in recognition;
- Lounging on the deck at sunset with a glass of wine, watching our grazing flock of ewes and lambs;
- Serious Zoom talks about celebrating human diversity; and
- tending to the daily rhythms of farm chores.
How are you holding dear those routine and surprising moments that afford pleasure, relief, and a renewal of hope?
May we all do our bit to help our world get through the coming critical weeks. But also may your Autumn be full of balancing points that create personal equilibrium and hope.
I’m Connie Seraphine, and that is my Perspective.
