A recent tv show introduced me to the phenomenon of "snark blogs." These bits of cyber nastiness have grown at an astounding rate. They are a recognized sub-set of the blogosphere. The term "snark blog" has its own definition in the urban dictionary. While these postings may be intended to be funny, they mostly come off as spiteful. They seem to have no purpose other than to build the self-esteem of the bloggers by hurting and humiliating their chosen victims. Sadly, these blogs often develop a large readership.
I have a friend who has experienced a great deal of stress over the past year. All of our visits were punctuated with tales of failing parents, ghastly renovations, job uncertainty, parenting difficulties. She suffered sleeplessness, stomach upset and hives. Life seemed a continual downward spiral. Then, at our last visit, she was relaxed, smiling and comfortable. What happened? She had made a conscious decision to stop thinking about her troubles and focus on gratitude. She'd started keeping a gratitude journal, and her life was transformed. She still has job uncertainty and troublesome parents but these negative issues no longer ruled her life.
My friend had learned the lesson of Philipians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Gratitude, the perfect antidote for snark.
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