Why do I do this???

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. –Fred Rogers


The world has been pretty frightening lately, and I have noticed an odd phenomenon.

When something awful happens, like the horrible inferno in London or the shootings in Virginia, instead of looking the other way, the media seem to lead us deeper into the fear and horror. Every lead story brings furrowed brows on the part of the news anchors; even the weather suddenly seems to carry little in the way of hope for tomorrow. Why do we insist on focusing our eyes on the negative? Why do we incessantly feed our fears?

Friends, there is plenty of good news out there. Really.

For instance, did you read about Gavel, the German shepherd puppy who was too nice to train as a police dog? So he got a different job: greeting visitors to the Governor’s Mansion in Queensland, Australia. True story!

Or how about the nurses in North Carolina who create little caps and gowns for premature babies when then “graduate” out of the NICU? They sing and clap and celebrate each and every one!

Or the man in Chicago who helped a blind man hail a cab after watching cabbies just keep on going?

My personal favorite this week is the group of strangers who pitched in to purchase and install a new air conditioner for a 95-year-old man after the old one died during a heat wave.

Now peace, hope and love abide, these three. But the greatest of these—is Love. Open your eyes and your heart to the goodness in this place, and your fears will slip away. I promise.


Monday Take your “spiritual temperature” today. What season are you living in right now? Pray to God as you are drawn. Isaiah 53:1-2

Tuesday Take a moment today to observe an animal, whether it’s a pet or a squirrel in a nearby tree. Watch and listen; seek to understand its “language.” ­Genesis 11:1-9

Wednesday Allow yourself to actually feel and experience the warmth today. Is it comfortable or uncomfortable for you? Rest. (Enjoy a cold beverage.) Hebrews 12:28

Thursday Each day brings a new opportunity to open your heart to the grace God offers. Is there an area where you seek forgiveness? 2 Chronicles 7:13-16

Friday We are called to be blessing in the world. How will you bless someone today? Be deliberate in seeking the opportunity to offer God’s grace to another. Give thanks. Genesis 12:2-3

Saturday As you pray today for yourself, take time to be aware of the beauty of God’s creation in this season. Savor the fruits of summer. Consider trying an unfamiliar food with an open mind. Acts 10:9-15

Sunday Come together for worship with a curious mind, an open heart and a voice ready to praise the Living God. Seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in this place. Genesis 28:16-17

The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity. –Lewis Grizzard


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