Hi everyone,

We’ve been back from our trip for a bit over a week now, and so I’ve had time to reflect a bit on the experience. And I have to say… I sure can be dramatic at times.

Sure, we faced some hardship out there. Some of us got sick in some shape or form. I had it the worst as I caught covid for a short period of time and was really worried that I’d spread it to everyone else and we’d be unable to fly home (which could be a pro or a con, I guess). We got lost once or twice. And paying for stuff was pretty confusing (but easy once you get the hang of it).

So there were a couple of times that I lost my cool more than I’d like to admit. There were one or two (or more) times that I may have snapped at a family member (or an in-law). And if I were honest, there were a few times in there where I was ready to throw in the towel and just call it quits.

But after all is said and done, I’m glad I didn’t. It was a great experience with my family, and an adventure that I won’t soon forget (albeit a little expensive). I’m thankful that we had the opportunity, and aware that not every family gets the chance. So I can choose to grumble about how it was hard for me, or I can appreciate that I had the chance anyway.

So in the end, I think I’ll choose to be positive rather than negative…

Here are the readings for next week:
Jonah 3:10—4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16

Jonah’s attitude in this week’s first reading always gives me a chuckle. I guess because I don’t know when I’ve ever been angry enough to die. Or at least, I never felt that enough to actually articulate it not just once or twice, but thrice.

And for what, really? God’s graciousness? God’s compassion? God’s loving kindness? These aren’t really things to complain about, but rather things to rejoice in, be thankful for, and see how much better that is than the alternative.

That’s the funny thing about life. Our interpretation of our experiences can be so manipulated by our emotions and what we choose to focus on. Don’t get me wrong, life will have its definite ups and downs. But when we highlight and think only of the downs, they will seem more down. At the same time, when we appreciate and lift up the highs, they will feel even better.

But I know, it’s easier said than done. But as they used to say in the GI Joe cartoons I used to watch as a kid, “knowing is half the battle.” I’m not sure if Jonah was aware of his attitude, he just felt what he felt. I don’t know if the 8-9 hour day workers in Jesus’ parable saw their pettiness, they just felt what they felt. And I don’t know if all of us know what we’re focusing, but we just feel what we feel.

All I’m saying is that we can choose to be positive, and in that we might be able to see more of the joys that this life has to offer through God’s grace, providence, and hope.

Thanks be to God! Have a great week, everyone!