The Negativity of it All

Living this life is hard enough as it is. Negativity seems to be spreading faster and farther throughout our schools, media, neighborhoods, even jobs and it just seems to me that it's like a disease that finds you and latches on.

How many times in your life can you remember a "negative" person ruining your whole day? I can think of plenty.

And I don't just mean negative as a person who says "no" a lot either. I'm talking about that lady, that no matter how many times you smile at her, continues to treat you like a rat. Or that guy who is in such a rush to get nowhere, nearly cuts you off just to get a car length ahead of you. I'm talking about that person who complains constantly about everything and acts so selfishly to get what they want from you and never gives back in return.

Now, let me stop there and tell you that I'm not an angel when it comes to the above. I believe we all have our good and bad days. Negativity IS everywhere and even the least likeliest of people tend to express it. I'm no different.

Back to the topic...

it's THOSE constantly negative people that pretty much stand in our way of being happy.
Now, I'm coming up on my 6th week in a row of attending church, and yes, I feel like I've had to "battle my demons" a little more than usual......or is it simply that by going to church and searching for answers to life's questions, you might actually be getting answers???? Maybe I'm noticing "my demons" a little more because "something" is showing me.

Call me crazy, but it does make a little sense!

Every morning, I tell myself that I'm going to do more today and mope around less. I'm going to smile more and complain less. I'm going to talk to someone I don't know and reconnect with an old friend! Do I always succeed? Of course not, I'm not a robot!! I can't just MAKE myself be more positive overnight!

But I can say one thing that most of the world can't say right now....and that is:

I'M TRYING.

I want to be a better person. Not that I think I'm a horrible person now, or anyone else that I know for that matter.

Like I said in the beginning: Life is hard enough to live as it is....why make it worse for yourself or anyone else?

From Luke 6:27

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners', expecting to repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.