It is a New Year...or is it really?

Finally, brothers, (sisters) whatever is true, whatever, honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

It is thought that the average person speaks 15,000 to 16,000 words per day. This obviously may vary depending on personality and occupation. As teachers, we probably are on the higher amount of words per day. Think about the words you speak. Are they mostly positive--sharing kindness, encouragement, gratitude, and affirmations? Or are they negative--sharing gossip, complaining, bitterness, and discouragement?

It is also thought that the average person has 30,000 thoughts a day and it is estimated that 70% of them are negative. I would think that the amount of social media we engage in would have some correlation to negative or positive thoughts. I would also think that the higher percentage of negative thoughts the more negative our speech would be.

We have definitely seen and heard our fair share of depression and negativity as we started this new year. We are done and tired of all of this pandemic and the division in our country...we desperately want it truly to be a New Year and a new start. Unfortunately, it just feels the same or even worse. So, what do we do? It all starts with our thoughts. We do what Paul encourages us to do in Philippians. We think on the things that are excellent, pure, worthy of praise, and thank God for His blessings in our lives. As our thoughts become more positive, our words will follow. Then we can truly be aware of our words to one another and to our students, especially speaking words of kindness, love, and encouragement.

This world desperately needs to see a light of hope and encouragement. During Epiphany season, we remember the light that Jesus brings into the world even amidst what may feel like darkness all around us. Jesus is our hope, comfort, peace and joy. His light dispels all darkness. God be praised that He has called each of us to be His light to those around us.

Donna Lucas, Abiding Savior in Lake Forest, CA