Headline:
“Americans are unhappiest
they have been in 50 years.”

Wow. My golf partner told me about this on Monday as we were constantly waiting for the group ahead of us. I was chomping at the bit to shoot. He told me to cool my jets and live “in the moment” instead of trying to forge ahead.

Our conversation then veered into a clip he had seen on WCCO that morning which reported on research out of the University of Chicago. Only 14% of Americans say they are very happy (down from 31% in 2018). A majority say they are unhappy. The survey was done before the death of George Floyd and the protests—but during the pandemic. This news isn’t too surprising, but it is sad.

For most of us life now seems somewhat out of control. We need to adjust to face masks, hand washing, and keeping our distance from others. Keeping away from beloved family members is painful. Incomes are impacted. Our familiar routines are upended. According to the psychologist on WCCO, the healthiest response is to “live in the moment.” We can’t control what already happened. Worry about the future rarely changes anything. But so often we live in regret and worry. Not helpful.

Living in the moment is a core biblical concept. Listen to Jesus: “And who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) “Even the hairs of your head are all counted [by God].” (Matthew 10:30). So don’t worry--smell the flowers, slow down, feel the breeze, celebrate the gifts you have been given rather than pine for more.

This is a difficult time for everyone. That we are an unhappy people is understandable. Our country is not behaving like we would like. Nature is not behaving as we are used to. It’s tough to make plans. Yet, as children of the living God we have been named and claimed and promised grace and hope. We are blessed for all eternity. It will come, yet it is also here now. Living in the moment, held in God’s care, is an act of faith.

Jesus said:

“Therefore do not worry, saying,
‘What will we eat?’ Or ‘what will we drink?’
Or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles
who strive for all these things;
and your heavenly Father knows
that you need all these things.
But strive first for the kingdom of God
and his righteousness, and all these things
will be given to you as well.”

– Rolf Olson, Visitation Pastor

Prayer 

Lord, all is not well with the world, yet it is yours. Into your care we place our lives and all that is around us. Help me to live in the moment. Now.