You Don’t Have Too….

For your consideration……

Today’s message actually started coming in yesterday in a song but I was not sure what exactly I was supposed to do with it. Suffice to say that since the song has continued, I am more than happy that I got it today. You know how it is when that same couple of lines keeps playing on….and on…and  on, over and over in your head. What was confusing was I did not see how the song and message came together but now I know that’s because it is only the two lines that keep playing that are the message. Are you ready for them? They are from a Blake Shelton song.

“You don’t have to……..but it sure would be great if you did.”

You don’t have to hear the birds songs welcoming you awake or night sounds lulling you to sleep at night…but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to choose the half full glass……but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to live in faith……but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to be one with Mother Nature…..but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to help your neighbor or fellow-man/woman but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to stand in truth, up for truth…….but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to live fully in the moment…..but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to listen to your authentic self and let it take the lead…..but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to choose good over evil….but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to choose HOPE over despair…. but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to stay committed to your life purpose and passion….but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to love with all your heart and share that love…..but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to believe in yourself and your power…..but it sure would be great if you did.

You don’t have to believe in miracles….but it sure would be great if you did.

Etc….Etc….Etc….

You get the picture. Each day in HOPEs Rising we receive a message and we have the choice as we do in everything in our life to consider it or not. We  always have a choice in how we interact with and impact the moment we are in. We always have a choice. Choose the light. Choose the HOPE.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

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

-Meditate/pray…..It sure would be great if you did.

-Drink lots of water……It sure would be great if you did.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths…..It sure would be great if you did.

-Be grateful…..it sure would be great if you did.

-Visit your vision board……it sure would be great if you did.

What made me smile yesterday……

-It sure was great to see the sunshine again yesterday

-It sure was great to teach in a well-organized classroom yesterday.

-It sure was great to see students I have had many times over the last 2 years and how grown up they have become.

-It sure was great to get in a nap before dinner.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris