In this day of doom and gloom, it's easy to get bogged down by the negativity lurking at what seems like everywhere. Whether we open a newspaper, turn on a television or drive by a man holding a cardboard sign, we're bombarded by stories, news and images that are just plain depressing and disheartening.
 |
| Too many New Mexico students are behind in reading. |
While perusing this week's Las Cruces Bulletin, I encountered evidence of this dismal reality firsthand. I read that "half of New Mexico students are not reading at or above their own grade level." That explains why an astonishing "three out of every four schools in New Mexico are not making the proscribed annual yearly progress." As if readers couldn't discern this for themselves, the author concludes, "This is outstandingly bad." Equally, if not more disturbing, was the Crime Stoppers report of the local gunman who is currently still at bay in the Las Cruces area. Should you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please call or text Las Cruces Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. After checking to make sure that all of my doors were locked, I spotted this week's political cartoon, which makes light of our enduring economic crisis by depicting a group of Americans who appear less than impressed with Obama's simulation of a revitalized economy.
 |
| Let's get this economy moving already! |
Outside of the media, when examining our own lives and the people, places and events that directly affect us, we realize that we ourselves are not immune or a stranger to affliction and adversity. Who doesn't know of a relative, friend or friend of a friend who is struggling financially, going through a divorce, grieving the loss of a loved one or suffering from an injury or illness? You yourself might be facing one or more of these challenges and wondering when, where and if you'll ever find the light at the end of the tunnel or the storm cloud's silver lining. With everything combined, we can't help but feel burdened and worn down by the prevalence of misfortune, injustice and hardship.
 |
| Reading "cloudy" and "doom" in the same headline can't be good. |
It's in times like these when we could use an awakening to the blessings in our lives, which brings me to the real reason for this post. I am writing to introduce the beginning of a new series of blog posts entitled, "Bountiful Blessings." This series will help serve as a reminder to: (a) have an attitude of gratitude; (b) give glory to God for all that is good; and (c) celebrate what is right with the world. Since there are more than enough miracles, acts of kindness and selfless deeds happening everyday, it's only right to at least recognize and honor a few, which is what I hope to do through "Bountiful Blessings."
