You’ve heard it said (probably a few times by me…from the pulpit!) that how we perceive the beauty and the brokenness in our lives is often a matter of perspective.

Take a moment to read this poem (found on the internet):

Today was the absolute worst day ever
And don’t try to convince me that
There’s something good in every day
Because when you take a closer look,
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some goodness does shine through once in a while
Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.
And it’s not true that
It’s all in the mind and heart
Because
True happiness can be obtained
Only if one’s surroundings are good
It’s not true that good exists
I’m sure you can agree that
The reality
Creates
My attitude
It’s all beyond my control
And you’ll never in a million years hear me say that
Today was a good day

Do you relate to this poem?

Now read the poem, from the bottom to the top, and ask yourself again: Do I relate to it?

I don’t need to tell you that life is not all a bowl of eggnog; nor is it all a bowl of sludge. As we prepare for the pleasure and pressure of the holidays and another “mixed-bag” calendar year on the horizon, let’s remind ourselves and encourage one other to read from the bottom up, whenever possible, while also feeling our real feelings.

 Blessings of the season, backwards and forwards.