Take Care of What You Have the Ability to Influence

by David Lins  |  11/10/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

In this brave new world where we have instant access to tweets and posts from the furthest reaches of our planet, it seems there is no end to news that makes it seem like our nation, our culture, and our faith is in a state of constant crisis.

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if we were cut off from everyone further than fifty miles away (with the exception of old-fashioned mail)?

There is wisdom in this lifestyle: take care of what you have the ability to influence.

This does not mean we don’t pray for others, the Holy Father, and the greater Church. It means we do what we can for who we are able.

We take care of those who live under the same roof. We scroll a little less and listen a bit more. We post a bit less and share a bit more. We hide in our phones and laptops a bit less and pray with our loved ones a bit more.

We take care of our communities. We volunteer at a worthy charity. We spend time at a local library. We surprise a friend with a mailed letter, a phone call, or even a visit. We spread kindness. Here is a simple example:

My little one doesn’t eat candy and we aren’t huge on Halloween, so on the 31st, we walked around and knocked on doors. When someone answered, expecting to give out candy, we surprised them with an adorable toddler saying, “Happy Day!” We then introduced ourselves and little Georgiana gave THEM candy. We called it “Reverse Halloween.” Smiles and conversation spread.

And—finally—we are called to take care of our parish. You know how this is done. We participate in the sacraments. We give generously to help the mission of the parish continue. We take stock of our gifts and talents, and offer to help in any way possible. We pray for our parish.

When we focus on what we can do, it empowers us to live lives that impact our world. It helps us understand that God has a purpose for our days and a plan for our lives.

So go! Go forth into the rest of your day looking for what God has made you for!

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.