The Next Right Thing
BVT Family and Friends,
Many privileges come along with fatherhood. Raising children in itself is a privilege. Getting to teach them new things, getting to watch them grow, getting to play, fish and wrestle with them…all privileges. Getting to watch Frozen II for the 30th time…a privilege (note the sarcasm on that last one).
Honestly, there are some Disney movies that I don’t mind watching. But I have realized that I have subconsciously and unintentionally memorized the scripts of many of the popular children’s animated flicks over the last couple of years. I know there will come a time when I will miss hearing Olaf’s cracking voice or my kids belt out the Aladdin theme song before bedtime, but let’s face it…there is such a thing as cartoon overload.
One night this past month, I was sitting down with my kids watching Frozen II yet another time. They watch with such anticipation that I wonder sometimes if they realize the ending is not ever going to change. But I digress.
Even though I have watched the movie and heard the songs dozens of times before, I heard one song in a different light this time – perhaps because of our current situation and season. (Note: in no way am I suggesting that Frozen II or a Disney movie would have a faith-based inference, rather it was the message that was eye opening.)
For those of you who may not be as up to date as I am on Frozen II, Anna sings the song “The Next Right Thing” in response to a very difficult time in her life, losing her best friend, Olaf, and her sister, Elsa. Essentially, Anna does not have the strength to go on, but she convinces herself that all she can do is “take one more step” and “do the next right thing.” Now that you’re caught up…
I’ve heard this song what seems like a hundred times before…but never had it resonated with me like it did this time. “To do the next right thing”…I thought to myself. What does that look like in my life…in my family’s life…at BVT? Especially during this season of life, where many of us may feel very similar to Anna…sometimes finding little strength in a season of ongoing hardships and challenges.
“You are lost, hope is gone. But you must go on. And do the next right thing,” she sings. Man…if that doesn’t strike a cord with us right now amidst a tough season, I’m not sure what will.
So, what is the next right thing? Well, as the song continues:
Take a step, step again
It is all that I can to do
The next right thing
I won’t look too far ahead
It’s too much for me to take
But break it down to this next breath, this next step
This next choice is one that I can make
So I’ll walk through this night
Stumbling blindly toward the light
And do the next right thing
And, with it done, what comes then?
When it’s clear that everything will never be the same again
Then I’ll make the choice to hear that voice
And do the next right thing
The next right thing. Something that should always be on the forefront of our minds. A concept that we are always striving to achieve. But even during a season in which it’s hard to see beyond the next day; we can remember this advice from the fictional Disney character:
- To take a step…then step again. Then repeat.
- Don’t look too far ahead, but break it down to this next breath, then take another step.
- We have the power to choose what we do.
- We can walk blindly toward the light, and when tough times return, you can make the choice again to do the next right thing.
So friends, look around you. As you face difficult days, it may be in the small voices or the things you’ve heard a hundred times before, but maybe have never realized, that gives you the encouragement you need to face your situation.
Our current season of life may be trying, but I am thankful for a team who chooses everyday to do the next right thing…who loves without barriers…and who walks boldly with faith, even if they cannot see what’s on the other side.
May we turn our eyes toward the hope and faith we have in Jesus. And may we always have the strength, faith and courage to take the next step and do the next right thing.
Always remember, you can do hard things.
Until next time,
Steven Campbell
Executive Director