Advice from a chocolate wrapper...

There are so many things I could write about. Lucky for you, I am stuck writing on my iPod, which makes a long post impractical. My computer and Internet have had yet another fight, it would seem, and they refuse to speak to each other. But I said I'd write a blog post this weekend, so write I shall!

Advice from a chocolate wrapper: "Smile before you go to bed. You'll sleep better." Sounds reasonable. Too often I go to bed with nothing but the worries of the world and my day on my mind. Even my evening prayers seem to be an endless litany of petitions regarding the countless concerns in my life and those of my friends, family, and the world in general. Not exactly the way to pray. Or to ensure a restful night.
About here is where I generally strike upon some profound solution to this problem. Oh, I know the general formula. Let God take care of it, smile, and have peace. So simple, yet oh so difficult to do. And oh so easy to forget.

It's so easy to imagine that the early Christians - and anyone not living in today's world - had it easier. And I'm sure there were times when it was easier. But in truth, the early Christians were living in a world just as bad as ours today - if not worse. There wasn't even a faint memory of Christendom for them to turn to. Granted, there also wasn't a deep seated hatred for it, either, as we sometimes find now. But they were dealing with people who either already had their own gods, or who had pretty much no use for any gods. And they were dealing with people whose vices were at times considered virtues in their pagan religion. Not so different from now, eh? How did they do it?

I'm guessing they started with themselves. And their lives were such a contrast to the darkness around them, their message was easier to believe. And the light spread.

We live in a time when darkness seems to be spreading rapidly. Everywhere we look, it seems to have touched something. I find it overwhelming, especially at night, when I find so many petitions in my prayers. It feels as though nothing I can do could ever be enough. But, in the heart of my heart, I know there must be hope. I know that the darkness cannot overcome the light. I know the darker it is, the brighter the light will be. And I know that if I count me blessings, thank and trust God, and smile, I will rest well.