It is so easy to become discouraged these days. Just watch the news, become absorbed in social media and there is no way to avoid all the conflict and distractions. If we refuse to become incensed about a particular outrage or other then we are sure to be targeted and called names.
I’ve written about my thoughts on this subject before: Be Not Afraid. It is a good lead-in for this article. When we can allow ourselves to live in the moment and enjoy our God given blessings in everyday life then it is easier to not get wrapped up in all the dissent and ugliness today and not allow fear to engulf our lives.
The past is always a part of us but we don’t have to live there. The future is uncertain but we don’t have to be afraid of what is to come. Things change. We learn to adapt with change if we have faith in God’s guidance. That doesn’t mean there won’t be unpleasantness it simply means that we will get through it with faith.
Starting and ending the day with prayer and spiritual reading will go a long way to maintaining focus on things that are important and letting go of the things that bother us. I decided a long time ago that I would no longer give in to fear and dread and began making an effort to immerse myself in the Word for help and guidance and as a Catholic I have the Sacraments to help me on my path.
I have found a great deal of help from the writings of the Discalced Carmelite Saints like Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross and Thérèse of Lisieux when it comes to detachment and contemplative prayer and I recommend reading their works which are not difficult to find.
Rural Texas Knitter 