The reluctant optimist

I love the news.

In fact, my radio dial doesn’t even know there’s an FM, that wonderful invention introduced 60 years ago. Stuck in a world of the latest happenings, I’m following the trends of the moment.  I listen to commentary and debate and all the swirling gestures of a world gone crazy. I watch the news at home and read the paper in the morning. Go ahead, ask me. I’ll tell you the latest.

But it’s dragging me down.

Obama, Romney, and Cain – what a pain! France, Iraq, and Greece – I need release! Housing, economy and jobs – just makes my head hurt!

Yes, I know that I’m a citizen and need to be informed and engaged. I know that I cannot operate in a vaccum, a self imposed exile away from the cares of my planet.

But this isn’t me.

I’m an optimist. I see things in bright colors. I look for the sliver of light on a cloudy day, a single star in 

the darkest night. That’s who I am.

But I’m often reluctant to express the hope, the joy that used to drive my heart. I hold back because there’s so much bad news. The economy, the political scene, and the world all seems to be falling apart. 

Yet deep within me there is a spring, a desire to tell the world. “It’s going to work out.” You see, I have a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who can reach across time, who can change hearts. I have a God who never gave up on me — or you.

I’m a reluctant optimist. And I shouldn’t be.

Please, share with a friend if you feel moved.
Read all past issues at http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidrupert