making the best of a bad environment

I don’t know what you’ve been doing on these beautiful summer days, but I’ve been reading a book –Extraordinary Ordinary People, by Condoleezza Rice.  Actually, my daughter’s supposed to be reading it as an assignment before entering college, but I stole it.  (I’m such a nerd!) 

I’m intrigued to read about Condoleezza’s experiences growing up in the most segregated, racially hate-filled city in the south.   

Never eating out because there was no restaurant where Blacks were allowed.   

Not learning to swim until her mid 20s, because there was no pool where Blacks were allowed.   

Waiting to use the bathroom until she got home, because there was no decent restroom where Blacks were allowed.   

Was that really just a generation ago??? 

But her parents were determined and made the very best life in an ugly, extremely limited environment.  Condoleezza became a master pianist.  Became a competitive figure skater.  Began college at the age of 16.  Began a master’s program at the age of 19.  And we know where she is now. 

So that leaves me thinking about environment.        

Paul writes from his environment of prison, “…whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  (Philippians 1:27  NIV) 

Whatever happens…conduct yourselves… 

Whatever environment you find yourself in, choose how you’re going to act within it. 

Reading Condoleezza’s story makes me realize that if I don’t live a worthwhile, meaningful life for Christ today, it’s no one’s fault but my own.

Are you living under or above your environment?