“Optimism doesn’t mean that you are blind to the reality of the situation. It means that you remain motivated to seek a solution to whatever problems arise.” — The Dalai Lama
I shared this quote at the communion table during two of our services this past Sunday. Quotes from The Dalai Lama typically speak for themselves, but in the context of the world in which we live, it is good to expound on them a bit.
In this day and age of divisiveness, we are often susceptible to the idea of, “Well it isn’t going to change anyway! Nothing I can do! Why bother?!” I don’t blame folks for this attitude. The world gives us plenty of reasons to feel like we might as well give up.
As a father of a little one with another on the way, I can’t allow myself to give up on the world. As a pastor, I too often see the good in others, and how desperate people are searching for sunbeams of light. As a Christian, I have witnessed the Spirit move in a way that can bring healing, transformation, and hope.
So why be pessimistic? The world may actually turn out for the better! However, it will only do so if we participate in it. That’s why I like the second part of that quote so much. When we are willing to be part of the solution to the problem, we allow ourselves to contribute to a better world. As a Christian, I also believe it opens us up to being more like Christ and finding ourselves more in line with the people that God created us to be.
It is hard work. But I like this second quote that helps guide us in the midst of that hard work. It is found within Jewish commentary from ancient rabbis on Micah 6:8 (“Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.”) The commentary states, “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”
Do not abandon the good work that God has called you to friends. For we are called to change the world, little by little, now.
Grace and Peace,
Bryce
