I'm semiautomatic

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Much to the dismay of my 17-year-old son, I absolutely adore 21 Pilots.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar (as I likely would be if not for my teenage son), 21 Pilots is a musical group. Well, a duo, really. They are all-at-once rock and pop and rap and alternative with a twinge of both metal and techno. They are from Columbus, Ohio and are, in my opinion, two of the most brilliant songwriters and masters of harmony since Simon & Garfunkel. You get it; I dig them and my son hates that. #thatswhatyougetforlisteningtodefleppard

Either way, one of their more popular songs is entitled "Semiautomatic." Don't judge it by its title; it's about anxiety heightened by sleeplessness. It begins with these lyrics: "Night falls with gravity, The earth turns from sanity,Taking my only friend I know, He leaves a lot, his name is 'Hope'."

The boys sing about hope a lot. In fact, it's a recurring theme in much of their work. And through all the melodiously catchy chords and toe-tapping tunes lies a serious and important message: no matter how dismal things seem; there is always reason to hope.

So, take it from me --and Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun-- today might be full of stress and angst and just plain blech but tomorrow will be better. Hang in there through the valleys because the peaks are coming soon; just stand strong, be true to your core values and self ... and have a little hope. 

We all have worth and meaning and purpose. We are all loved.

Ps 1:1-2 R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night. R Alleluia 1 Thes 2:13 - Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God. Gospel Mk 9:41-50 - Jesus said to his disciples: "Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward..."