Toxicity

For your consideration…

I have been teaching a lot so far this school year. I always tend to think that there won’t be many available sub jobs at the beginning of a school year. But not so. Right from the first week on, there have been plenty to choose from. Talking to another teacher about schools and curriculum, I mentioned how the more I learn about history, the more brilliant I think our forefathers were when writing the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. They fought to the point that it almost never happened but in the end they persevered and succeeded.

This deserves to be celebrated but you would never know it in the political environment in this day and age. Most especially during a political election, the environment is toxic. Rather than celebrate our freedom and opportunity to serve our country, others, and self for the highest good, we argue, attack and fight.

We can not turn on the TV, radio, phone, computers, or even driving without being bombarded with negative ads creating a toxic environment.

This is the example we are given today because it is happening right now and so apparent. But politics are not the only things that create toxicity in our lives. Family drama, work environment, etc. can become toxic.

Toxic environments are destructive. They hurt us because they are the opposite of love.

Today’s message asks us to be aware. Notice when negativity is knocking at our soul’s door. Eliminate or neutralize it. How? Bring a blessing forward. We are surrounded in blessings. Let them rise to the surface. Focus on them.

We can also nourish our soul making it stronger and more resistant to negativity. Walk regularly in Mother Nature. Meditate. Exercise and/or do yoga. Get lost in a book. Volunteer. Anything that comes from a kind and loving heart will always trump negativity.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.” “I am love.”

-Remember…You are the keeper of the light. Wherever you go, there can be no darkness.

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Bring forth blessing and overshadow negativity.

What made me smile yesterday…

-A beautiful day.

-I taught preschoolers so there was lots of outdoor time….that is always a blessing.

-I have been hungry for Honey Baked Ham. I stopped a couple of months ago but the store was closed for repairs. I have noticed it was open again. So I was excited all day that it was on my way home. I pulled in and saw that there were not too many people in line…just two. Things were looking up. I parked and went to go inside only to find the door locked. The cashiers looked up and mouthed. “We’re closed.” I admit I was angry. Alex and Conner were coming to dinner and I had made butternut squash risotto but had planned on adding another protein. I quickly decided to get a couple things to add to a salad and some fruit for Conner. Once home, I remembered that I had some coconut butterfly shrimp that I could put in the oven. I mention all of this because my anger turned to triumph. I saved money and our dinner was delicious. Conner could not get enough.

-My kids make fun of me because I have a collectible Christmas tree that I did not put away after Christmas. It is porcelain, plays music, and has trains running around it, and Santa and his reindeer flying over it. I didn’t put it away because Conner loves it. It was the first thing he wanted to see when he came in. So I refuse to be embarrassed about keeping it out.

-I also subscribed to Dish Scapes on my TV service. I did this because I frequently just play the scene and music in the background as I do chores in the house. But I also got it because last November the dish scape was of various trains traveling on a bridge over a beautiful canyon. Conner is fascinated with it and when he is hear, that he what he wants on…nothing else. It is a simple joy.

-A good book.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris