A Way of Being in the World. . .

We all have our own way of "being" in the world. . . the way we are either draws people toward us, or repels them from us, or somewhere in between.  Sometimes we are ever drawn to people because of their abrasiveness rather then their gentleness if there is something within us that responds to that (might not be a healthy thing or maybe we just like a challenge?).  


St. Paul had some advice for us on how to "be" in the world.  We're not good at it all the time.  We can get better at it if we have a working awareness of the energy we put out into the universe though.  From 1 Corinthians 14 he advised, "Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adult." In other words, be mature, be grown up, be wise about things.  Don't be gullible or foolish or infantile and fall for everything!  

Next thing we need to work on in "being" in the world is to be ones who have hope rather than ones who lack hope.  There is much around us to cause us dismay, to grieve us, to get us to take our eyes off of Jesus. . . but Paul says, "First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word." He was talking to the Thessalonian Christians (4:13) about death and resurrection but I think it applies to daily life as well.  Don't live your life as if there is nothing to hope for!  There is hope all around you!  All the negative stuff can get you down but you have Jesus, and if you have Jesus, fully present with you at all times through faith then what have you to fear and grieve? 


Look around. . . what do you see that gives you hope for today?  
* A smiling child
* A cute puppy
* Someone helping another
* Some fresh tomatoes out of the garden is usually good enough for me!
* The sound of wind chimes in the breeze
* A good cup of coffee
* The kiss of a loved one
What gives you hope?  I really want to know. . .


Then Paul gives us some really great advice. . . it is probably the best advice we could hear in these contentious times where people seem to be at each other's throats (think politicians and reality TV) where we seem to have lost six layers of skin and everything hurts us and wounds us and we take things way too personally. . . 
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. (Ephesians 4:26 The Message)


So we can be people that resemble bulls in a china shop emotionally/spiritually/in our relationships or we can practice poise, patience, and perseverance.  One is easier but it wreaks a whole lot of havoc, and the other takes way more energy and intention but it creates peace and lowers anxiety.  Plus, people are drawn to the calm presence. . . how will you "be" in the world today?  God bless your day!