God, Help my Attitude!
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We were driving in to water flowers at the cemetery, and I found the city streets we had to travel, very depressing.
Although the blight has been creeping in for some time in the community in which I grew up, it seems to have gotten much, much worse. Burned out and boarded up houses and businesses seem to be the standard now.
Interestingly, there is tons of road work taking place, as there is apparently at attempt to fix what can be fixed. I know that the Mayor is trying to ascertain more funding to demolish some of the more troublesome houses, but I found myself thinking how difficult it must be to be the Mayor of such a depressed city.
On this overcast day, it was hard to shake the overwhelming sadness on display, except for one thing . . .
On one of the worst streets, there remains a yard that has been a bright spot for years. The entire front yard is covered in beautiful, bright flowers that stand out against the blight. Somebody must be hanging on to hope and choosing to offer what they can in such a depressed city.
The inspiration this garden-in-the-city offers is a reminder that each of us has the opportunity to be a bright spot in someone's life. So many people are down and discouraged due to work, finances, sickness and life in general; they could probably use a smile, patience, or even a listening ear.
What little we might offer can be significant; it, reminds me of something St. Therese of Lisieux said:
“I understood that every flower created by Him is beautiful, that the brilliance of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not lessen the perfume of the violet or the sweet simplicity of the daisy. I understood that if all the lowly flowers wished to be roses, nature would no longer be enameled with lovely hues. And so it is in the world of souls, Our Lord's living garden.”
If there is someone in your life that is surrounded by hardship, try to be a daisy (or a rose!) in their life. In doing so, you will surely add to "Our Lord's living garden."
Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
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I am a Catholic blogger who holds an M.A. in theology from Augustine Institute. I have worked in Catholic ministry as a Catechist, Pastoral Associate, Director of (parish) Adult Formation, Director of RCIA/Religious Education and am a Lay Ecclesial Minister. I am a former radio show host and former columnist for The Catholic Times. I have been married for over 40 years; my husband and I have three adult children whom we homeschooled. I am passionate about sharing God's Word as a speaker and writer, wherever God leads me.
