Be soft.

I can be somewhat of an idealist at times. This can be both a good and a bad thing. When I focus too much on the imperfection of the world, it causes me to be very critical of all those around me and often leads to cynicism. That's the bad end. When I let my idealism enable me to empower those in my circle of influence towards what is good, right, and noble, that is the good end. So often, I find myself on the wrong end of the spectrum. It is so easy to become hardened when one sees the darkness that man inevitably and constantly gets caught up in. 

How do we keep ourselves soft? How do we remain feeling and sensitive to the needs of those around us? I find it to be easier to hide myself in a hard bubble of a cynical attitude. How do I break that? 

I realized that I can't.

I cannot be released from this on my own. It's my protection from the hardness of the world. I will always be drawn back into it. The only way I can break free from this is by being pulled out of it and attaching myself to something more firm and unbending, and yet infinitely loving. Something transcendent of the darkness. Something that gives light and life.

How do I remain soft in the hardness of the world? By firmly planting myself in the love of God. Being filled to overflowing with His goodness that I cannot be hard towards the world which is in such need of Him. I can no longer hide in my bubble of judgment because I see that I am being pulled out of the same mire as the rest of mankind. 

What makes this world beautiful? I could say all the normal Christiany things such as, "well, God created it" or "it reflects His beauty", both of which are completely true. But what makes this world uniquely beautiful to me? Because it is the one place where we see such incredible contrast between darkness and light. I am able to see the pit of despair I have been pulled out of, and the hope and joy I have been brought into. It was the contrast that brought me to Him, but it is He who keeps me ever seeking His truths.

My encouragement for the day is to be soft. Make it a point to remain sensitive, feeling, and caring for even those you may see as the worst of mankind. Because in reality, we are all lost sheep trying to find our way.