Whatever is True

Today I got some great news. Before I say anything else, dear reader, please know that I try not to let my mood be swayed to and fro based on circumstances but, I confess, sometimes it’s hard to resist.

My latest TV pilot script placed well in a competition and advanced to the next round. That’s the great news. It lifted my spirits because it was positive feedback. Did I need it to feel better as a writer? No. If I wasn’t selected would that have served as evidence that I ought to give up? Absolutely not. It’s one data point. A good one, but just one nonetheless.

Still, I think in life it’s easy to succumb to recency bias, the tendency to place too much worth on experiences that are most recent in one’s memory. Before the news today, I admit to being somewhat discouraged from a bit of disruption in my writing due to a new schedule and new demands in life. I was falling prey to recency bias. After the news, I was elated, and again, falling prey, but in the opposite direction.

It was a sober reminder to maintain a realistic perspective and not allow recent events to warp my perception of what is good and true. People can do this in many ways. Personally, I gain perspective in this arena from meditating on Scripture.

A verse from the Book of Philippians (4:8) says “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

It’s fine to be excited and celebrate. It’s okay to feel discouraged at times and re-evaluate. We are not robots. Emotions are part of our humanity. I’m learning this lesson on different fronts. Today it was writing. Yesterday it was motherhood. How wonderful that life offers so many ways to grow! And yeah, the pruning isn’t always comfortable — usually not at all — but it’s good. It really is. Because it allows for even more growth, healthier, and more robust.

Image shared from Steven Furtick Facebook page.