My three rules for a grounded life with perspective.

I live in the present. No one predicted the past, no one can foresee the future. Anxiety and panic occurs when I leave the present and succumb to the arrogance and hubris of thinking I can foretell the future. I can’t. Patience and perspective are balms for me.

I do not whine, lament the choices of others, speak poorly of my own life, past or present. It might be listening. I cannot abide whining, in me or others. I do not wish to live in a world where everyone must agree with me, or be seen as evil. Listening is the antidote for whining, it is a magic tonic.

Rather than complain, I prefer to do something. I am volunteering to help the embattled and persecuted Syrian refugees, they are good, frightened and worthy people who have done us no harm and came to us as a beacon and light in the world. They are trapped again in a nightmare they do not deserve. Could anyone of faith truly doubt where Jesus would be today, who he would be comforting and protecting?  I don’t wish to talk about the world I believe in, and lament my country,  I choose to help make what I believe in happen.