Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word

I lift my eyes to the mountains from whence cometh my help. (Sedona, AZ)

I love living in the southwest. You see, having spent most of my life in other places, it came as a surprise to me that I would love the desert the say that I do. I tend to bloom where I am planted, so that isn’t a HUGE surprise. But there are days when we each get discouraged. After my traveling days this summer, I saw that there are many places I call home, and they all lift my heart. That is a good thing, as there are days and circumstances that have me lying spent on the beach like Tom Hanks and his friend Wilson. So today, I want to offer you encouragement. I have offered these words before. But today, perhaps someone needs them again. Perhaps someone is hanging on by a thread. Hang in there.

Are you having a tough week, and it feels like God is busy with something else?…believe anyway. Are your family members being inconsiderate or getting on your nerves?….believe in them anyway. Is your bankroll shot, upside down in your house, overwhelmed by debt and it feels like there is now way out?….Believe Anyway….it costs nothing….Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, overworked, under-appreciated, worn down?….and you don’t believe it can EVER change or improve? Believe Anyway.

Are you struggling with a serious health issue (mental or physical)? God, friends, doctors, and loved ones can come to your aid. Things can get better…so go ahead and believe anyway. Are you lonely and you don’t believe it will change?…you know the mantra—believe anyway. Go ahead. Be ridiculously stubborn. Believe Anyway. Snap off the depressing news on the TV/radio or wherever….it can infect your psyche, soul, heart, and optimism. No, I am not saying bury your head in the sand.

But I am beginning to think that Pollyanna had it right. I think it would do me [and everyone else] a world of good to play the glad game. I am hopeful that things will get better. I refuse to believe our ship is going to go down. There are a lot of bright, creative, loving, joyful, giving people in this world. I am resolved to kick my cranky to the curb for the day. I have been absorbed in worry and it turns my inner Tigger into Eeyore…I declare today to be my Tigger Day. Believe Anyway…Just Because….I am going to build my courage muscle and believe that optimism is as always, the better path.

I wish you love, joy, optimism….because I am a perennial optimist.