Positive Steps

Positive Steps

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Renee gave a frustrated huff. “I’d love it if you had a magic wand attached to your drawings.”

The pastor shook his head. “I don’t have a magic wand, but the teacher in me does have several assignments. First, I want you to ponder how much God loves you. He loves you so much that, as it says in John 3:16, he sent his own Son to die for our sins, yours and mine. For the whole world’s, in fact. Emotional freedom starts with accepting his completed work and letting him guide you.”

Renee frowned. “That’s a lot to think about.”

The pastor continued. “Next, start coming to church. We have a large college and career class, and you need to hang around kids your own age who are willing to talk about these issues. They’ve been where you are.

“Next, I want you to find ways to add more laughter to your life. Proverbs 17:22 says, ‘A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.’ Laughter will help open your crushed spirit to God’s healing. If you don’t know where to start, rent movies from the classic comedies section at the video store. My favorites are the Marx Brothers. And finally, find a way to serve others. I guarantee as you make a difference in the life of another person, you’ll find greater joy in your own. Fair enough?”

Renee nodded. “Fair enough,” she said. Then she thought, I’m on my way to being a worthwhile person after all. And suddenly, she smiled. —SANDRA

Lord, what the pastor said makes sense, but taking those first steps can be hard. Help me to be excited about what awaits rather than worried over imaginary details. Help me to seek your face and stop looking for magic wands. Show me who you are and who I am in you.

The ultimate stupidity is withholding from yourself the respect you deserve.

—DR. LAURA SCHLESSINGER, SOCIAL AND CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATOR