Happy President's Day?

Reflection on Patriotism by Lyn Perry

My dad would have turned 92 this past weekend. And, although he died a few years back, I still recognize the day and, to some extent, even celebrate his birthday. Why? Like any 'special' day, we remember certain dates because we connect them with particular feelings or sets of values that we want to remember. In my case, fond memories of a father (and mother, too) who loved me and provided for me.

Even when those feelings or values prompt more difficult memories - possibly pain or regret - we may still commemorate a certain day because of the positive lessons that can be learned from the historical event(s) or people it represents.

President's Day in the U.S. is one such example. It isn't as significant as it once was, but it does prompt me to thank God for the many strong and noble leaders that have led our country through difficult times - and to pray for our current President and those campaigning to become our next President so that our nation can continue to stand for justice, peace, and freedom.

There is a recent trend (a cyclical one I've noticed) that seeks to downplay any form of patriotism as imperialistic, chauvinistic, low-brow, and expressing unquestioning loyalty - just one step away from supporting a fascist regime. This, of course, is ridiculous. True patriotism is an expression of gratitude for the freedoms we do enjoy, recognizing that without the aid of Divine Providence and the sacrifice of noble men and women, we would not be able to celebrate such a day.

What does this have to do with writing or biblical speculative fiction or anything related to the communication arts? Well, it should be clear that without the freedoms gained in this country our ability to communicate in practically any form would be severely limited. So, although I mention my father's birthday, President's Day, and the topic of patriotism, I guess I'm really trying to say that I'm grateful for the opportunity these 'special days' afford me - the opportunity to write as God directs. I invite you to join me in taking advantage of our freedom and celebrate with me this holiday by writing what is on your heart.

Adjusting Our Attitude

It almost goes without saying, but when I'm grumpy I have a bad attitude. What this tells me is that my attitude - which can be fairly easily ascertained by my facial expression and body language - is simply an external representation of my internal feelings. If I'm feeling down, my body sags. Doesn't yours?

Now it's not any secret that the answer to a bad attitude is a good laugh, a smile, and pleasant thoughts. Why? Because you can't genuinely laugh and smile without a corresponding good feeling. Our feelings have a direct impact on our outward demeanor.

The challenge is controlling our feelings. Change our feelings, change our attitude. The good news is that we can control our feelings. We're not at the mercy of our emotional life. Emotions (the well from which our feelings arise) serve as a barometer of what's going on inside of us. And we can change what's going on inside.

How? By monitoring our thoughts. Our thoughts affect our feelings which in turn shows up in our attitude. And the best way to monitor our thoughts is by listening to our self-talk. In other words, we need to think about our thinking. This might be a true difference between us and animals. We have the ability to consider our thought process and not just react by instinct (which seems more emotional in nature, doesn't it?) And since we can control our thoughts, we have the ability to influence our feelings and thus change our attitude.

The Apostle Paul indicates that we can "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV) This is good news indeed. If you control your thoughts, you control your feelings, and you control your attitude. So make a decision this Christmas season to smile - and give yourself the gift of a good attitude.

Smiling With You, Lyn Perry
Editor of ResAliens Anthology