hmmm…..
In our seminary classes, this week we are learning about a form of research that is called “appreciative inquiry”. It’s actually a really good process. It encourages the researcher to focus on the positive aspects of a need, problem or concern. In other words, instead of asking something like, “Why don’t we have children in our church?”, the researcher asks “What is wonderful about your church?”
I like to think of myself as a positive person. An attitude of gratitude has long been a motto of mine and I intend to practice gratitude each day. I look for the silver lining in a dark cloud and try to trust God that everything will work out. I think bottom line, that’s probably what most people would like to do most of the time. Think about movies or television shows. Virtually all of them have a happy ending. It is very rare for a movie with a downer ending to be successful at the box office.
Sometimes, though, putting on a fake smile is a form of denial. And sometimes insisting that a person who is in pain feign happiness is just plain cruel. I am not talking about wallowing in grief. I am not talking about suspending time while you torture yourself with sorrow and sadness. What I am talking about is honestly facing your fears and your failures, your loves and your losses with courage, bravery and strength.
That comes from a Source that is bigger than us; if you are in pain, may you find it today.
hmmm…..
No comments:
Post a Comment