What Went Right by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

I am back from over three weeks in Europe. Part of it was for fun, part of it was work, and there were two weeks of study at the ISGAP Antisemitism institute at Oxford. Like any long trip, there was both good and bad. I sprained my ankle in Scotland, my luggage was lost in Alderney, I pulled my back in Oxford, and I arrived home half sick. My dorm room in Oxford was not air-conditioned so I perspired as I got ready each day, and let’s just say there were no good hair days! Travel is not as glamorous as it seems.

However, I can dwell on the things that went wrong, or I can focus on what went right. My husband and I took a brief trip to beautiful Scotland, so I was able to cross that off my bucket list. We spent time in the town of St. Andrews, the site of “The Open,” one of the most prestigious European golf tournaments.

I was able to tape another segment of my next documentary, “Their Blood Cries Out,” on the English Channel Island of Alderney. My friend, Marcus Roberts, has conducted years of research on the Nazi camps that existed on Alderney and is trying to preserve the graves and memory of those who perished. Because of airline delays, we almost did not make it to Alderney, but God made a way, and we were able to record this part of the documentary on a picture-perfect-day in Alderney.

Many know I have a heart to fight antisemitism, and I had the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the world on this subject for two weeks at Oxford. I will be able to use some of this primary source information in my doctoral paper. I made new friends and gained an idea for the next documentary—God willing. It was not an easy two weeks. These were long days, and at times both the subject matter and interactions were emotional, but the overall experience was rewarding. The good outweighed the bad, so I rest my eyes on the good.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to focus on the positive. In Philippians 4:8 he says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”

Today in your own life, take a moment to reflect on the bad that is going on. Now think about the blessings. If your mind keeps shifting to the bad, ask God to help you focus on what’s going right rather than any wrong in your life. It’s a key to happiness.