R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts
"The influence of optimism on human behavior is so pervasive that it must have survival value, researchers speculate, and may give us the ability to act in the face of uncertain odds."
Robert Lee Hotz - Wall Street Journal 11/9/07
Medical researchers are renewing their efforts in measuring and deciphering the power of optimism. Their studies point to the fact that a balanced, realistic optimistic outlook is better for all of us. That positive frame of mind makes us try again. It makes us put on sunscreen. It makes us less likely to smoke. It makes more of us remarry after divorce. The article goes on to say that this "penchant for the silver lining shapes our decisions about family, health, work and finances in surprisingly prudent ways." It looks as though our brains were designed to make us wear our rosy glasses. It's good for us. We look at the future with excitement and hope and an anticipation of good. But the article also says that just like a little red wine is good for us ... "we shouldn't drink two bottles a day" ... optimism must be tempered by a dose of realism and wisdom. An optimistic outlook alone won't bring the happiness we want, but it will get us facing the right direction and expecting that our life without doubt will be good again. We have the power within us (apparently with the help of our brain's rostral cingulate anterior cortex!) to discover and grab that good. After a midlife divorce, those scientific reassurances in themselves are encouraging. And infinitely more important and sure, we can add God's promise that when we are living how he wants us to, he will bring good even out of our life's worst nightmares... even our divorce. The theological, scientific facts are that we have absolutely every reason to expect a fulfilling, glorious life both now and in the future; so put on your sunglasses, smile, and get out there and have an absolutely fantastic day!
"That's why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives of love for God can be worked into something good."
Romans 8:28 (The Message)
