Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
– Philippians 4:8-9

It’s been hard to check in on social media this week…and even more difficult to even glance at the news. With times like these, I’ve learned that extra discernment is necessary to find the balance between being responsibly informed about our world and needing to step away, breathe, and tend to our hurting souls.

With such incomprehensible pain, suffering, violence, and evil shattering the lives of so many, it’s tough to do anything beyond falling into utter despair. Any individual efforts to influence change feel laughably inadequate and small. Only there is no humor to be found. Only tragedy and helplessness.

But the words “Whatever is lovely. Think about that.” have been randomly popping into my head over the past few days – especially during prayer. After noticing it again during my walk this evening – “Whatever is lovely. Think about that.” – I decided to google the words. And the little gem from Philippians at the beginning of this post was the result.

What a message.

What have I learned from God that I can put into practice? I have learned that God is love – and my sole reason for being here is to see others as God does, then treat them accordingly. I have learned that this earth is filled with beautiful gifts both large and small (several are pictured here), and that sharing what I receive only makes the gift increase. I have learned that this life is not permanent, so we need to be exceptional stewards of what is simply on loan to us.

So, there it is. There’s my plan to help make it through times such as these: love others as God does. Seek beauty. Share generously. Live gratefully. Pray constantly. Look to God for peace.

And think about such things.