Pessimist, skeptic, scoffer, misanthropist, and detractor. These are all synonyms for the word, cynic. These days it seems half the population in the westernized world are cynics. It’s frightening. I’m certainly not an exception but for the moment I’ll leave my cynical side on the shelf!
Is it that much easier for us to focus on doom, gloom, and poor me rather than calling to mind the face of a loved one, sweet memory, or someone who could use a friendly call? Will we notice an orange-red sunrise if we wake up and turn on the news? Most news is simply negative reports by professional cynics. It’s a trap that does nothing but pump destructive chemicals into our brains. Stay away from it, especially first thing in the morning!
We are called to be DIFFERENT while in the world. We don’t do that by focusing on the negative and thus influenced to become perpetual cynics. We become different by being like Jesus who lived and preached glad tidings during a time when the world was much like it is now, full of physical, emotional, and spiritual bankruptcy. He was never cynical, nor did He focus on His personal hardships or use the state of the world to give up. He dove right into the mess while remaining connected to the All-Good Father.
When you wake up in the morning fill your mind with hope and goodness. Recall Jesus’s life and mission. Remember the Saints and holy people whose surroundings in many cases were quite bad. Then pray. Use established forms like the Rosary, Lectio Divina, and Liturgical prayer. Pray informally by paying closer attention to your spouse, children, or nature and saying thank you to Him who showers these blessings upon you. Petition Him with your or others’ sufferings. Then make a statement of faith. Or simply be silent in awe. There are many ways to pray. It is the way to fill your mind with hope so you can proceed to face the negative differently, with God. I can’t think of a better way to live.
“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Picture by Bangin, GNU Free Documentation License, Wikimedia Commons. Scripture is from the USCCB site, Phillipians 4:13, 20.