Good morning! I hope your day is off to a great start, and building toward an awesome weekend! Now, let’s dive into a topic most of us tend to avoid because, on the surface, it smells a little like politics. Rest assured, this is not political. That’s not my style. But I do think we need to consider the effect 24-hour news can have on our emotional and spiritual health.
With all that’s transpired over the past several months, especially these past few days and weeks, it’s hard not to become obsessed with the news. I know people, including my own daughter, who intentionally avoid current events, just to preserve their own sanity. I get it. News can be disheartening, if not downright infuriating. And who wants to watch this stuff all day?
But let’s be real. We should all try to maintain at least a basic awareness of what’s going on around us. I’ve mentioned hurricanes that are threatening my daughter’s home, and more than once she’s asked, “What are you talking about?” Avoiding news is one thing, but we can’t just live in a media vacuum, especially when there are things we need to know to protect ourselves. Agreed?
I try to take a more measured approach. I catch up on the news once a day, maybe more if there’s a developing story. Right now, in my hometown of Tucson, an elderly woman is missing from her home in a story that’s captured global news. I pray for a happy outcome, though I do check the news from time to time to see if there have been any updates.
That said, media obsession is becoming an alarmingly potent force in our society, and I’ve seen a lot of friends fall into that abyss. News, especially politics, can completely consume our thoughts to the point that nothing else can creep in. And when we take those thoughts to work, or church, or social media, or family dinners, we find ourselves embracing the abyss instead of trying to climb back out.
It’s impossible to see anything and not have an opinion on it. That’s your brain processing input and applying your own personal values to it. But let me ask a question. When was the last time you got anybody on social media to change their mind about anything? Or live and in-person, either? I don’t have enough old calendars to go back that far. Do you? If so, we need to talk.
When we obsess over the news and our opinions about it, the only people who pay attention are others who also obsess over the news and already think like we do or are firmly on the other side. We can point out hypocrisy, pass judgment, or call people names. It may make us feel better for the moment, but it does nothing to advance our cause. In fact, most times it has the opposite effect.
By all means, be aware of the world around you. That’s healthy. Discuss your concerns with people who care and may be able to help shape your perspective. Then back away. Find something else to occupy your mind, something that stimulates your mind and body. Play with the kids. Sit on the porch. Take the dog for a walk. Or binge your favorite TV show. Anything to reclaim your mind.
Tune in long enough to see if anything warrants your immediate attention and then check out. The news will continue just fine without you. Trust me. If you want to take an active role in shaping the news, get involved. Write or call your elected representatives. Draw up a poster and participate in peaceful protest. Record events from a distance that’s safe for you and everyone else.
Then hang up the phone, go home, and do something that restores your mind, body, and soul. Focusing our entire being on things we can’t change won’t fix anything. There’s more to life – enjoy it. And always remember the Serenity Prayer – “God grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom always to know the difference.”
This is my prayer for each you, my friends – today and every day. Please share your thoughts in the comments. I’d really like to hear from you. Meanwhile, have a safe and happy Friday, and an even better weekend!
© 2026 Dave Glardon – All rights reserved
Dave Glardon 