Sunday Reflection: Hard Times, Good Reactions

School budget cuts in Missouri have been brutal, and it’s not over.  Funding to educate students—to run a school in general, does not seem to be a high priority on the average legislator’s heart.  Funding education often becomes a tool for selfish gain; school districts (and more importantly students) will suffer.

Adverse times often bring out the best in people, but can also bring out the worst where colleagues bicker and tattle for their own benefit, toss thoughtless words to the wind and hurt each other. Unity becomes extinct. Then there’s the power struggle. Those with the power often seem to divide and conquer. It’s a great strategy and used since the beginning of humankind, but results in fractured relationships and a weakened system.

It may be easier to let the actions of another bring out the worst in us, but responding to our feelings with a reaction that cheapens our soul is harmful. 

Keeping the precepts of God in mind when dealing with hard times is never easy (or is that just me), but in the long run results in a more peaceful soul.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12: 9-17 (NIV)

Blessings on your day,
Teresa