Page 68 - Waves June

R R R R R R R R R R R R eflectionsflectionsflectionsflectionsflectionsflections
e e e e e

One Way
Streets

by: John Valastro

Reflections: Since when did Christianity become a negative thing? Since when
did it take a back seat to the things of this world?
One Way Streets
I believe it was when more people, and society in general, decided
y islander friends that work, success and money was more important than family and
can relate to this faith. Just look at what has happened the last 40-50 years.
Mstory simply because
we live in a city that has so My suggestion to those who are still
many one-way streets. Some- searching for happiness, try “letting
times when we don’t pay atten- go” of the belief that more friends,
tion, even we Islanders make more stress, more drugs, more
the mistake of turning down a work, and more money will make
“one-way street”. you happy. Try “letting God” be
a part of your life. To my friends
The point is this: when we or who don’t like the thought of letting
anyone else go down a one way it’s the reaction of others that I God be in control, how about using these words in place of God:
want to focus on. Pedestrians or other motorists sneer, laugh, roll let love, let life, let family, let friendship, let kindness, let respect, let
their eyes, call you names, point at you and try to get others to compassion, let forgiveness, let honesty, let integrity, let character
ridicule you just because you took a turn that at the time led in the and let morals guide you to happiness. Watch how quickly your life
direction that you needed to go. changes.

Ok islanders, are you following me? In fact, I dare you to try my suggestion for a month and I guaran-
tee you that you will have more “true happiness” than what you
Let’s take that same situation and apply it to our lives. Often, we have experienced in a long time. If you feel like your life is in a rut,
make a decision to follow a path that we think is right. That path, give it a try. Take a turn down a street that you think will get you to
or “turn down a one-way street” is “our faith journey”. Society is where you want to go. As you do, be honest and open about your
all the bystanders and other motorists who tend to point fingers, experiences. If you feel your life is stagnant and you’re just going
criticize, make fun and ridicule you for making that turn. The dif- through the motions, why not try, it can’t hurt.
ference in our journey is that we are following a law that a majority
believe is right and just, it’s called Christianity. If you decide to For me and my family, it’s worth letting go (of the things of this
make that turn, how will you handle the criticism that will surely be world) and letting God (take control of your heart). I truly believe
directed at you? there is only “one way” to true happiness.
Sometimes it’s the simplest Remember, Christ was laughed at, made fun of, ridiculed and
things that remind us that there crucified for going down a one-way street. How about you? Is it
is another way to happiness. worth making that turn? I think so!
Too often we think we can
get to happiness through hard
work, dedication and lots of
money (some of you at this John and Kathy Valastro
very moment are thinking to The Palms Condos
yourself what’s so bad about Galveston, Texas.
these things, perhaps nothing, but maybe everything; hence my
reflection). Many people who have an abundance of success find
themselves empty, hollow and alone.

68 | Waves Magazine | June 2019 Issue