7-Up may be a carbonated soft drink, but the 7-Ups are also a great guide on how to approach life. A friend, Simon Guillebaud, shared something that is worth passing along. For several years now, he, along with his wife and three young children, have been serving as missionaries in the war-torn African nation of Burundi. Simon has a way of encouraging others even as he lives amidst tremendous strife and suffering on a daily basis. A while back, he shared a list of resolutions written by the Reverend Walter Schoedel. They have to do with our basic attitudes and actions. He calls them "7-UPS for the New Year.” While the 7-Ups were originally written to offer sound guidance at the turn of the calendar, they equally apply as we sail ahead into the unknowns of a world with COVID.
Following is an adaptation of the 7-Ups:
- The first is WAKE UP. Begin the day with the one who made the day. Rejoice in it. Be glad he woke you up.
- The second is DRESS UP. It’s not so much about clothing as it is your face. Put on a smile. It improves your looks. It says something about your attitude. Your attitude also profoundly affects the direction of your day.
- The third is SHUT UP. Watch your tongue. Don't gossip. Say nice things. Learn to listen first and long, before responding to others. It’s a rare thing in the world, and it can make a world of difference.
- The fourth is STAND UP. Take a stand for what you believe. Resist evil. Do good.
- Five, LOOK UP. When circumstances around you look bleak and depressing, open your eyes to the one above. Understand that you are loved.
- Six, REACH UP. Spend time in prayer with your adorations, confessions, thanksgivings, questions, requests and supplications.
- And seven, LIFT UP. Be available to help those in need -- serving, supporting, and sharing. It seems the world has more needs than ever at the moment. It’s a crisis, yes - but it’s the perfect time to help others, in big or small ways. Offer to fetch groceries for an elderly neighbor. Make facemasks. Donate to health care workers or first responders. Take them a meal.
And I could add a last one to the list. Cheer up. This will all be in the rear view mirror at some point. A good way to do that is to daydream of vacation times ahead, with loved ones in a luxury house on Isle of Palms. Just give us a call at EP, and we’ll help make your daydreams come true. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger