IN LITTLE WAYS

Home furnishings

My husband and I are watching our favorite Korean drama (all 70 episodes) for the third time. While I haven’t reached fanatic status, I can certainly understand why series like this one have gained international popularity. The themes are love, honor, patriotism and family loyalty. The violence is restrained (by American standards), and the romance is chaste. The historical epics remind me of our Westerns. The heroes are strong and brave. The heroines are patient and kind.

I know the world isn’t as simple as a John Wayne movie, but neither is it as ugly as it appears in so much of our popular culture. People do sacrifice for the common good. Spouses remain faithful, and children love their parents. Generosity, modesty and courage are as real and widespread as selfishness and malice. I prefer to focus my attention on the good in life rather than the evil.

I’m not ignoring the needs of others (I hope). I just can’t spend all day thinking about war, terrorism, oil spills, unemployment, the national debt, pornography, substance abuse, political corruption, AIDS and Sandra Bullock’s divorce. I’ll go nuts, or worse, become hardened to injustice and suffering. I need peace and quiet in my home.

We all need a refuge where we rest and refuel. If we’re lucky, our home is furnished with a loving family, a comfy chair, and a well-stocked refrigerator. More than a physical home, though, we need a spiritual home. It lies at the center of our being where we are alone with God.

St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, tells us how to furnish that home: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Physicians know that our thoughts have a powerful effect on our health. Optimists get sick less often and recover more quickly than pessimists do. It’s difficult, however, to maintain an optimistic outlook while listening to the unending stream of disaster and scandal that is broadcast news. Stories of inspiration and hope keep our spiritual home healthy.

After all, being positive is just being realistic. The Bible is full of characters as messed up as anyone on daytime TV. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. David got another man’s wife pregnant and then arranged the husband’s murder. Jesus’ No. 1 disciple lied through his teeth about knowing him. Unlike the tabloids, however, Scripture gives us the full story. Joseph rescues his family from starvation. David becomes Israel’s greatest king, and Peter becomes the head of the church. Human weakness cannot defeat God.

When we focus our attention on God’s love and forgiveness, we find it easier to love and forgive the people around us. When we’re busy counting our blessings, we’ve got no time to complain. When we’re laughing, listening to music, or studying the stars, we’re broadening our minds and our spirits. When we share good food with good friends, we’re following our Master.

We don’t need to spend every hour of the day reciting the rosary and reading the Bible. Life is full of wholesome pleasures that can inspire and renew us. Creative and physical activities strengthen the body and mind. Reading, watching TV or going to the movies are great, too. We just need to ask ourselves, “Does this make me feel calmer, more cheerful, tolerant and compassionate, or do I feel myself getting depressed, disgusted and angry?” Then we can decide whether we really want to bring this stuff into our home.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go watch “Dae Jung Geum.”