Someone asked me recently why I stayed with the same job for over 20 years. I told him I felt I was serving God and our church members, and that I loved the people I worked with. I find purpose and ministry in my work. “It is well with my soul” isn’t a phrase I often use, but it sure fits here. I’ve been thinking this week about phrases I often use, and “Oh well” has been a go-to phrase my whole life. For me, oh well means I don’t like this, but I will have to live with it. In first grade when I asked if I could bring my kitten to school every day, Mom said “no” and I said “oh well.” Yesterday when we left our grandson and knew we couldn’t see him until January, I whispered oh well to myself as we headed to the airport.
Repetitious phrases we say to ourselves can be comforting. But, sometimes they can be limiting or negative. I really do like it is well better than oh well, and I think if I can reframe some of my thoughts, I may be able to replace some negatives with positives. Our purpose and calling encompass our attitudes, too, and reach well beyond our jobs to fill our whole lives. Shouldn’t we try to bring more it is well into the world? Want to join me in trying to replace some oh well responses with it is well with my soul responses? Amen to that! “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 1:2) Blessings, Tracy