Chaplain’s Corner

From Fear to Can Do

I wonder if you have read the book or watched the movie Charlotte’s Web? It’s an endearing story of a pig that builds a friendship with a spider. In the year 2000, it was listed as being the best-selling children’s book of all time. It was authored by E.B. White, a gifted writer. 

Something not so well-known about E.B. White, is that he was reportedly a hypochondriac. He was scared of most things, and I mean desperately scared. He spent most of his life, from the age of 10 onward, worrying that he would die. 

At the age of 81, when it finally occurred to him he might not die anytime soon, he bought a canoe. He tied it to the top of his car and he went on his first camping trip and loved it! At the age of 81, he finally began enjoying life. But it took him 81 years to realise his situation wasn’t as precarious as he had imagined. He passed away of natural causes, only five years later.

Fear. It can be crippling, can’t it? The unknown. Trying something new. Stepping out of your comfort zone. We are encouraged to do it by those who have. Why? Because they know it’s worth it! The reward is great. It might lead to new things, new challenges, new relationships, new opportunities, new innovations, new experiences and just maybe a new world, containing new joys. 

We can easily get caught up in the fears of life, yet there is so much of life there for the living! 

There is a story I love. One of a shoe salesman who was sent to a remote part of the country. When he arrived, he was disappointed. Why? Because everyone went around barefooted. So, he sent a message to the company back home: ‘No prospect for sales here. People just don’t wear shoes.’

Later that month, another salesman went to the same territory. He too immediately sent word to the home office, but his message read, ‘Great potential! People don’t wear shoes here!’

What was different? The circumstances for both salesmen were the same. But it was a different perspective that mattered! Have you heard the saying, ‘One man’s disaster, is another man’s opportunity’? One man saw disaster, no hope. The other saw limitless potential.

Our attitude has a great deal to do with the outcome of our lives. It can also affect our happiness and even rub off onto those around us. Some of us can be a bit more pessimistic, or negative than we perhaps need to be. That’s why I love the scripture verse from

Philippians 4:8 

Keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 

And verse 9 adds, 

And God, who gives peace, will be with you. 

What a scripture! A scripture that can actually make all the difference for you, today. 

So, what can you do? Choose your attitude. Your attitude can determine your altitude! Look for the positive, and the things you can do, rather than focussing on the things you can’t. 

Be willing to stretch yourself this year. After years of lockdowns and restrictions, why not try new things, perhaps even reach out to new people. Who knows what stepping outside of your comfort zone this week might do for your entire future? Your attitude really can determine your altitude! 

Deuteronomy 3:16

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. 

God bless,

Ps Matt Daly

Chaplain