The Power of “If”

“If” is a powerful word. It invites us to think outside the square of right now, to reflect on the world of cause and effect: how past actions, reactions and choices combine to produce our here and now.

This reflection can help us to avoid repeating our mistakes. Understanding history also helps us to avoid repeating others’ blunders, for even at our most self-destructive; we will never live long enough to make every possible mistake ourselves!

We also need to avoid turning our ‘ifs” into “if onlys,” which easily paralyse us into wishing a past we can’t change could somehow become different. “If onlys” also stifle us into wanting things we can’t control – like outside events and other people – to line up like shooting-gallery ducks before we even think about making any plans.

“If” also invites us towards dreams of a future that we can start to shape here and now through our choices and actions. These dreams help us to become more effective, especially if our preparation includes breaking these dreams into identifiable, progressive steps.

Faith helps us to discover God’s activity and to team with him in shaping new tomorrows. And if we take responsibility for our skills and experience, while trusting him with the effects of events and of other peoples’ choices, we give his love enough room to move.

Developing this faith habit can’t help but makes us more confident, relaxed and effective, for as the bible says: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Isn’t that Good News!

Noel Mitaxa