Musings about Positive Energy

As I caught a glimpse of the Oprah Winfrey show yesterday, I was impressed with the message that positive energy overcomes fear and leads to success. It was uplifting and inspirational to listen to the account of one couple, where the husband had lost his job, and instead of worrying about the fear of the unknown, the couple, under the leadership of the spouse, celebrated the new opportunities that lay before them with a glass of wine. They continued their celebration by going to work and finding another job that was more enjoyable and that paid more.

Several years ago, as I was giving a seminar in Slovakia about the positives that could occur from embracing capitalism, it was surprising to me, that the fear of the unknown kept most of the people from voting for capitalism. The results were very slow economic growth.

As I have reflected on that experience, I remember one individual telling me how nice it was that they didn't have to worry about the future, because they had been guaranteed a flat (apartment), a skoda (small car), an education and a job under the previous communist leadership.

This guarantee, however, had sapped drive and energy from the country. This was evident in the decay of many structures and of the loss of much of the country's historical heritage. Thankfully, they have slowing embraced capitalism, and the positive energy that accompanies more personal freedom, and it is benefiting their country and their economy.

Today, as a world economy, we get to worry about global warming, energy costs, healthcare, terrorism, poverty and immorality. When God looks down on us from heaven, what does He think? What would properly motivate us to be better stewards of Earth and to do it with positive energy?

That positive energy, I think, is still Work, Faith, Hope and Charity. Larry H. Miller, a local business leader in Salt Lake City, at one time offered this advise: He said, "I get up early, I go to work, and good things happen."

As we continue our preparation to elect a new President in the US this fall, and with Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain leading as potential candidates, which one of these candidates will contribute the best stewardship of our country and of the world? Which one has the most positive energy? Which one can channel that positive energy into successful resolutions of the great issues that confront us? I guess I have'nt come to a conclusion yet, but my hope is, as Abraham Lincoln suggested, that the people will choose wisely.