January 2021

2020 was definitely a year for the history books.

And, 2021 is starting as if there's some sort of competition between the back-to-back years. 

Here's what I know:

I can show up and do my civic duty by voting, but I am one person.

Obviously, nothing I can do will change or solidify election results. 

I can't stop people from storming the capital.

I can't heal all the brokenness in this nation or the hearts of those who live here. 

I really can't keep living in this desperate helplessness/hopelessness.

So, here's what I can do:

I can pray for our leaders. 

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, the two may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

I can teach my children to be kind and to love people both the same and different from themselves.

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

I can rest in the fact that God is in control.

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock." - Isaiah 26:3-4 

I can continue to grow and change so that I can make a positive impact on those who I am around. 

"...But we urge you, brothers (and sisters), to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you." - 1 Thessalonians 4:10b-11

I can't control what I can control. 

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." - Proverbs 19:21

But, I can spend my energy on what good we can bring to our home, friends, family, neighborhood, schools, local restaurants and stores, and so on. 

"As for you brothers (and sisters), do not grow weary in doing good." - 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Maybe each of our influences reach further than we know after all...

"And let us not grow weary of doing good,... let us do good to everyone..." - Galatians 6:9 & 10

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to sho hospitality.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Lie in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Romans 12:9-21