For the last 11yrs, one word has been voted the most annoying word in all of America, that word, “WHATEVER”. ‘Whatever’ narrowly beat out, “No offense, but….” to retain the title. I’d like to redeem that word along with the Apostle Paul:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
In our crazy world today, finding your ‘whatever’ can feel impossible. Here are a few suggestions to help us:
1] Things don’t need to be grand to be great. If you look back over your life, I bet you’ll be shocked to recall the fondest memories are not the extravagant trip or the over the top evening. Rather, it’s the simple moments in life. Things that don’t cost much and often can’t be bought. The sunset, the handhold, the landscape, the embrace.
2] Remember God is Good. My daughter recently bought a car, a blue Subaru. When I say blue, I mean sky blue! My first thought was ‘we will never be able to resell this car for its blueness!!’ Something strange happened after seeing it, I started seeing that same blue Subaru everywhere. Has that ever happened to you? Either there was a run on blue Subaru purchases or I was just now becoming aware of something that had been around me all the time? Researchers call it “Recency Illusion”. Your brain becomes aware of something new and subconsciously you are more alert and aware of it. I’d like to remind your brain, “God is Good!” Now may you go out and see the goodness of God that is all around you. Your whatevers.