I have this friend—we’ll call her Emily—who seems to always be upset about something. She’s constantly up in arms about some tragedy somewhere in the world. She’s in a persistent state of anxiety over someone else’s suffering. Her news apps are constantly pinging her with updates, and she’s hyperactive on several social media platforms. “If you’re not heartbroken and outraged,” Emily tells me, “then you’re just not paying attention!”
But maybe we don’t always need to pay attention. Maybe we just can’t. Not to everything. Not to everyone. Not everywhere. Our limited hearts and minds simply can’t hold it all.
Yes, some tragedy just struck somewhere in the world. Yes, some injustice is being perpetrated on the other side of the country. Yes, someone down the street is having the worst night of their life. And, yes, perhaps one or more of those are an opportunity for you to demonstrate some compassion.
But probably not all of them. And probably not right this minute.
Be grateful for quiet nights, Emily. When there’s no bad news knocking on your door. When everyone in your home is safe and sound. When even the neighbor’s dog is not barking. Sleep well, without guilt, and check in on your friends in the morning.
See Exodus 11:1-10