Take a Breath

There is bad news everywhere; Ukraine, Covid, inflation, gas prices and fuel surcharges, shortages, out of touch politicians, crime, frustration, sometimes it can be overwhelming.

Last Wednesday, Bertha, Jeremy, and I attended the Ash Wednesday service at our church. As the minister applied the ashes to our foreheads, he reminded us that our physical bodies will all return to dust, and that we should repent and believe in the Gospel.

For Lent, I have given up watching or listening to any news other than weather.

I still read the papers, but I specifically skip over bad news. Giving up the news is not necessarily a penance, but it is certainly mentally healing. Saint Augustine, who lived from 354 to 430 A.D. is one

Saint Augustine, who lived from 354 to 430 A.D. is one of my favorite theologians and philosophers. In today’s world of conflict, I will share one of my favorite Saint Augustine quotations: “Try to acquire those virtues which you think others lack and you will no longer see their defects because you will not have them yourself.”

The wheat is growing, spring is almost here, new life springs forth! Take a deep breath and thank God for each day!

Chicken Fried Steak is a copyrighted column by G.W. Thomas; any opinions expressed are those of the author and are not endorsed by the management of this newspaper. Thomas can be reached at ibuycattle@yahoo.com.