I’ve always been one to see humor in most any situation. Sometimes it comes from a slightly warped perspective, but usually I can raise a wry smile or chuckle from at least myself, if not others. Reader’s Digest used to print a section in its monthly magazine titled, Laughter, the Best Medicine, a sentiment I couldn’t agree with more.
When making funeral arrangements for my late husband, in an effort to relieve the pain and sorrow we were feeling, I commented to my two friends who went with me to the funeral home, that the director—who was walking and talking ever so slowly, reminding me of Lurch from the 1960s television show, The Addams Family—was a little bit stiff. I can’t remember if that made them laugh, but it surely did me. Laughter mixed with tears can often make the pain of heartbreak a little more bearable.
But there’s not too much to laugh about in today’s world. Whether you agree with the theory of global warming or not, the polar ice caps are melting and the water levels in the oceans are rising. Crime, at least in our nation, seems to be growing out of control. Lawlessness, as seen in the way everyone is driving on our interstates, feels rampant. It’s as if we have done away with speed limits and drive like our German friends do on the Autobahn. People are shooting at each other on the roads, in drive-by shootings, schools, restaurants, and churches. The middle class is disappearing as the upper and poorer classes grow in numbers. So many of our politicians and their supporters—no matter which side of the political track they fall on—seem to purport finger wagging, while making judgement, after judgement, after judgement, of each other’s character and integrity.
I used to land there. But that all began to change one day when I was walking around the neighborhood of a friend I was visiting. In one front yard after another, I saw sign after sign supporting the candidate I was totally against. My first thoughts were, How can they support that person? Don’t they see how self-serving he or she is? Don’t they see that person only seems to care about themself? And how evil is all that?
It was then the Lord began to let me see the “landscape” through His eyes. It was at that moment He began to soften my heart. Just because they and their candidates don’t agree with you, Kim, doesn’t mean they’re evil. It only means they differ in how to achieve what they think is best for the country.
That’s when I literally stopped in my tracks. I began to realize that the unspoken and outspoken judgmental accusations I was hurling at others who didn’t agree with me, only served to break down communication. Me, stomping my indignant foot of how can you possibly think that way, did nothing but express an attitude that my way is superior. The light of truth that began to shine within, was that I needed to talk less and listen more. Can you imagine how surprised we would be that just because we listened, we found common ground from which to work. It does seem that when we are busy making sure our voices are heard, we are caring about that more than anything else. The Bible tells us to: “… Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry.” James 1:19 TPT
More importantly, I need to be:
- Praying and thanking God for my 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, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
- Doing away with grumbling. In doing that, we begin to grow a thankful heart.
“In the midst of everything, be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 TPT (Please note this Scripture does not say to be thankful for everything, but to be thankful in the middle of what you’re facing.)
- Obeying and treating those in authority with respect. I taught my children as they were growing up that even though you don’t like or agree with someone, you give them respect. Not because they earned it, but because they are made in the image of God.
Whether I like it or not, the people who hold office are there because God put them there.
“Every person must submit to and support the authorities over him. For there can be no authority in the universe except by God’s appointment, which means that every authority that exists has been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1 TPT
It’s not wrong to speak up for what is right, but, please, with a humble heart, fall on your knees first. Stop talking at, to, or about each other and start holding everyone in prayer.
God’s ways are always best. Beginning with myself, the question is, when will I really start believing and trusting in Him?
With love,
Kimberly
So true! Thank you for such wise words, mom.