We have a choice

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.

 

…everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. . . .

                     —Viktor Frankl

_______________________________

 

we have a choice

it seems

 

a choice as to how we are going to be in this world

 

yes, sometimes it feels as if our choices have been taken from us

as if life has us trapped, boxed in

to a place where there is

no exit

 

yes, external circumstances

powerful people

exert tremendous pressure

 

but no matter what is going on around us, what matters is what is going on

within us

 

what is percolating within our souls

 

and that is something over which we have some control

 

what will we nurture

there in our heart of hearts?

what will we cultivate

there in our mind?

what will be the fruit that emerges from our soul?

 

all the world around us can be chaos, and we can have peace within

all the world around us can be resentful, and we can nurture forgiveness

all the world round us can fight for domination, and we can cultivate  service

all world around us can hate, and we can embrace love

 

and then filled with peace, forgiveness, humility and love

and empowered by the One

who is peace forgiveness, humility and love

 

we can choose our response to the world around us

 

we do not have to lash out

we do not have to double down on hate

we do not have to act vindictively

 

we do not have to become the world around us

we can choose love in a time of evil

 

it is tempting not to do so

as we see a political party devolve into hate and obstructionism

as we see people drown in lies

as we see the greedy and abusive “win”

 

it is tempting to just jump into the

fetid mess and flail around

letting resentment and pain

ooze from our souls

 

but we must not respond

to hate with hate, fear with fear

anger with anger

 

we must go deep within our souls

to that place where Love dwells

and then

 

remembering the cross

that great proclamation that “hate stops here”

we can choose

love