Cure for Gloom and Doom

Today is March 3 and here in the Mid-Atlantic we had some fresh snow last night. This morning it is raining and gloomy out. The readings for today are not improving my mood. Isaiah (1:10, 16-20) addresses the leaders of Sodom and Gomorrah and chastens them to “cease doing evil; learn to do good… if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you.” After reading the headlines this morning of our violent involvement in the Middle East, it feels like Isaiah could be speaking to our president. Our government is running amuck, careless of the earth and human life. There are days, like today, when life seems overwhelmingly bleak.

When the world feels chaotic, I try to think of something I can do for someone else. Most times it does not involve spending money, but it usually involves a bit of my time. We celebrated my youngest daughter’s birthday last week. Her dad and I are helping her to get a hiking backpack for her gift, but I wanted something tangible to give her after her birthday supper.

Over the weekend I made some chicken stock, and canned it for her. She is a great cook, but is also a busy grad student, so I knew this would please her, and ease her meal prep. It takes a long time to let the stock simmer, then prepare the jars, get out the pressure canner and watch it so it doesn’t overheat. But going through this process brought me so much pleasure because I knew she would appreciate it. It left me with 6.5 quarts of stock to give to her and a mood refreshed. I get a mental boost when I am surprising someone.

If you, like me, find yourself dismayed by current events, or even just the weather, try thinking of something you can do for someone else. Once you get involved in the planning and executing of the surprise for the other person, your mind and spirit will get a reset. Everyone wins!

Dear Lord, when I am troubled by the world, lead me to look outside myself. Help me to discern how I can make the day brighter for someone else. Help me to pray for them every step of the way, lifting them up to you. Heal me from the darkness that seeps into my life.

Amen