5.25.2014

Choir Notes


It's Not the Best, But It Could Be Worse
From Music and the Spoken Word
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

A sweet older woman recently shared her perspective on life, developed over many years of navigating all its ups and downs. She said, “My health is not the best, but it could be worse. My money situation is not the best, but it could be worse. My life right now may not be the best, but it could be worse.” Her words revealed none of the despair nor the pride of comparing herself to others but the happiness and peace that comes of perspective, of remembering that things can always get better—and in the meantime, faith and hope can carry us through.

Most of us could say the same thing, no matter our age: our life may not be the best, but it could be worse. That understanding can keep us from overreacting not only to our challenges but also to our successes. It will help smooth out the rocky stretches of life and help us appreciate the smooth spots. The more we experience of life, the more we realize that, eventually, good things usually come to good people who stay the course and do their best.

When a mother hears her grown children share their worries and anxieties about their own children, she wisely says, “It could be worse.” When a husband and wife talk of tight finances or stressful jobs, they remind themselves, “It could be worse.” And when a busy high schooler frets about grades and friends and too much to do, it may be helpful to think, “It could be worse.” There may be a rare occasion when things really are as bad as they could possibly be, but that’s unusual. Given time and effort, very often things get better. Until then, understanding that life is relatively good and blessings are all around us will enlarge our perspective and increase our peace of mind.

So in the coming days and when life seems especially hard, it may be helpful to remember: things may not be the best, but they could be worse.

No comments:

Christmas Countdown