perspective in a rough week

Although I call this blog "Cheaper than Therapy" I have never seen it as a place for working out my issues or using it as a confessional (although I have plenty of issues). That has never been my style. I am much better at holding things close to the vest and barely letting my family and closest friends in to my misanthropic melancholy.

As I spend this week barely rising my head above the self imposed mire I find myself in (and the self-loathing and pity that go along with it), I am reminded that however deep my problems seem to be today that, hopefully, "this to will pass." I am also reminded of the 2 options Christians such as myself have to react to issues that come against us (even when they are self imposed).

One option I have been guilty of on many occasions is that of looking outside myself for all responsibility, blame and resolution. I can choose to react as some (but thankfully not all) of the Republican Congressional leadership, members of the RR like Charles Colson and the Right Wing Noise Machine (see Limbaugh and Hannity) have to the Tom Foley scandal (or like Foley himself each time something else is released). I can choose to blame the messenger, find a way to play it to my advantage or conveniently forget the facts as I blame everyone else. Yes, I can (and have) react this way.

However, I have another option that all to often I choose to ignore. As I watch the reaction of the Amish Community to this terrible tragedy that has befallen their community, I am reminded of Paul's admonishment in Philippians 2:1-11 to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.

I long to react to my circumstances in the manner of the Amish. I hope I can learn from this example in the news and find it in my heart to forgive those who trespass against me in such a timely manner. I hope I can become a person of such trust in Christ in all circumstances.
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Rod Dreher, the Crunchy Con has been following this story and commenting on the wonderful witness of the Amish. Let no one ever make jokes at the expense of these people ever again out of ignorance, fear of the outsider or sheer stupidity.
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I am reminded of the movie The Village by this incident. In a violent sinful world, violence and sin will visit everyone, not just those living by the sword, but also those living in peace. Sometimes the innocent reap what others sow.