My favorite variation on the “Expect the best” quote is from Zig Ziglar:

One reason this version appeals to me is that it mirrors many sentiments shared by Nassim Taleb (@nntaleb) in his book Antifragile.

I write this at the start of 2022 because I, like many of you, have experienced disappointment when expecting general circumstances in life to improve. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed positive experiences in 2021, and 2020, and 2019. It seems the negative experiences hit harder and cut deeper. The cumulative effect left me net down.

Now, at the beginning of this year, I am asking myself:

“What If Things Get Worse?”

Although it is very easy to attach emotions to this question, I promise it’s a mental exercise (for me, at least, and for now). I am thinking about it from a logistical perspective. I’m also considering personal history and economics. After all, things have been worse for me in the past.

And then, my hope in Christ enters my internal perspective.

I was thinking these thoughts a few days ago, and I tweeted:

Joy is different from happiness. I did not understand this until I became a Christian. My understanding has grown with time. I understood very little when I first became a Christian. I feel I understand even less now, after almost 40 years (in February 2022) as a Christian.

Happiness is due to circumstances, and I’ve enjoyed some wonderful circumstances. Because of this relationship – my relationship – with Christ, however, I’ve also experienced joy and the peace that accompanies joy in most difficult circumstances.

Hence the tweet.

So… “What if things get worse?” What if things get worse for my health? What if things get worse in my nation (USA)? What of things get worse in the economy? or my economy? What if things get worse for my family? or friends?

Day-Scoped Chunks

In the midst of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He says, “Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” He tells us to live one day at a time. When I share this message with fellow-technologists, I use the phrase, “day-scoped chunks.”

My Answer

This is the answer to my “What if…” questions.
Follow Him, living life in day-scoped chunks.
Even in 2022 (perhaps beyond, Lord willing).

Peace.