what's right in the world

In these uncertain times, negativity frequently rules the day. Upheaval and turmoil grab the headlines and dominate conversations. Yet recently I have been aware of some things that are right in the world.

This past weekend Bev and I had the privilege of attending the graduations of our two oldest children. Justin graduated from Clemson University with a Masters degree in mathematics. Heidi graduated with a Bachelors degree from Eastern University with an elementary ed/special ed degree. What a great joy to see both of them discovering their God-given identity and embarking on the path of abundant life. While they are vastly different in personality, both Justin and Heidi have this in common - they love God and they love life. That's what's right with the world today.

Several weeks ago, I was at the farm of an Amish client. Louie, his three year old son met me at the truck for his customary lollipop. Louie informed me that his dad was plowing in a distant field. When I told him that I was going to walk out to speak to his dad, Louie asked if he could come along with me. So we set off. After a bit I realized that he was walking slowly through the pasture field, each step of mine carried me further away from him. That's when I noticed the thistles and realized that Louie was barefoot. I went back, picked him up and carried him. And so we carried on, talking about his new baby sister, about thistles, and about the mud on the edge of the field. We eventually arrived at the field where his dad was plowing. Our conversation centered on strategy for improving productivity. Louie played at our feet while we talked. As I walked back to the barn with Louie, I realized how right and good our walk had been. When we got back to the house, Louie went back to the world of his mom, his baby sister, and the maid that was there to help with the housework. However, a 46 year old man, a little boy, a conversation with his dad about farming - it was a man's world in that 45 minutes and Louie got to be part of it. That's what's right with the world today.

In our backyard, we have a small garden. The spring onions and radishes are ready to eat. Lettuce and sugar peas grow vigorously due to all the rain we received. There is something deeply spiritual about farming/gardening. Maybe it's because God told Adam to subdue the earth even before Adam sinned. I believe it is part of God's plan for us. We plant, we water, we weed, and God gives the growth. That's what's right with the world today.

We have several birdhouses on our property. This morning I watched a tree swallow carry a large white feather to the birdhouse in which they were building a nest. I saw some bluebirds checking out another birdhouse. The sat on top of it and then one entered the birdhouse for a bit. I hope they make use of it for the summer. And that's what's right with the world today.