This past week proved fraught with disappointments and discontent. On Friday, I woke up feeling sad, out of sorts. Most of my disquiet revolves around the unrest in our world—the tropical storms ravaging the Southeastern U.S. and the fires burning through the Northwest, the recent earthquake in Mexico, the political turmoil on the forefront of our nation. If I don’t pitch my tent in these valleys, I’m able to rally. But I can so easily get sucked into social media and news reports under the guise I need to remain informed, yet I end up more unsettled. I don’t want to live with my head in the sand, but I also think it can be easier to become uber-focused on all the negativity and everything that’s wrong in the world. Rather than glorify enmity and division, however, let’s consider how we might make a positive difference to those in need—whether near or far. Because there’s still good: be the good.
How will you make a difference?
Photo courtesy of cooldesign at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Always The Write Time Blog 
Sep 10, 2017 @ 12:33:48
This was encouraging to hear, Chris. I thought I was the only one who was starting to feel sad and discouraged with all the negativity in the news and natural disasters – even though they don’t directly affect me.
“What can I/we do?” is the question that keeps playing in my head. Still don’t have an answer for what can be done for those far away. What I can do is make the lives of those closest to me who are in need or struggling more bearable.
Volunteering my time or donating items that could be of use to others seems the best strategy for me at this point. At least I’m doing something…even if it’s not as much as I would love to be able to do.
Hope you’ve received Sophia’s CD and that you enjoy it. She will be playing at church on September 24th for the prelude and postlude, plus doing a duet with the organist (Simple Gifts).
Sep 11, 2017 @ 16:52:46
Several of my friends make their home in Florida, so it feels too close to home even though it is 2,400 miles away. We’ve supported relief efforts, monetarily, so far. But, it’s in my own backyard where I feel I can at least “do” and most often witness the tangible results of my efforts, no matter how small. You and your family are so gracious with your time and giving back. It is a blessing to see from the outside looking in.
And yes, I did receive Sophia’s CD this weekend and plan to post something on Facebook soon (and hopefully a blog, too!). I’d like to share the word with others because she is a bright light that needs to shine. Her music evoked myriad emotions (tears *and* goosebumps!) and lives up to its description: 33 strings for the soul. Impressed and awed by her talent and the professionalism and thoughtfulness that went into the production of everything from her website to the cover jacket to the recording of the pieces. Thank you so much for gracing my family with her talent.
Here’s a link for others who may stumble upon this comment: https://www.sophianienaber.com/.