Reflect
Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl asserts, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” We have the freedom to shape our attitudes regardless of life’s external circumstances. Francis of Assisi composed “The Canticle of the Creatures” during a time in which he lived with excruciating pain. He could praise God in pain and even on his death bed. We can choose to claim the freedom God has given us in every situation. We can pray and praise, and act boldly.
Pray
In my weakness,
God of all seasons,
remind me that I am free to choose
beauty and love and peace and kindness.
I am free to choose
gratitude, goodness, and courage.
You have given me the freedom
to rise above life’s trials
and then return as an instrument
of your peace and love.
Act
Today, practice mindfulness or self-awareness. Remember in each situation, you have the choice to respond with love or fear, reconciliation or hate, agency or passivity. Claim in every moment the freedom of choice and encourage others to live fearfully and freely as God’s beloved children.
