Low Vibes Are Good Vibesنموونە

## Don't Judge the Cloth One of my cars had a license plate once that said “vibenHi." I loved it. It was a good reminder to think positive and trust the Lord throughout my day. But I decided to replace my license plate after a little while because it was also a reminder that not every day is a "vibenHi" kind of day. It also reminded me that not everyone who saw it was going through a mountaintop kind of moment. He or she could be facing something incredibly difficult such as a loss of a loved one, loss of a pet or relational or financial difficulties. I wanted to give space for them, or myself, to experience these valleys as well - without judgment or feeling "less than" the "vibenHi" crowd. Thankfully a license plate is not a Life Plate and I was able to replace it fairly easily. It just didn't tell the whole story. Because without the contrast of our emotions, we can never fully appreciate them. God doesn't promise us a summit experience every day. But He does promise to be with us in our valleys and in the wilderness. We read: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me," (Psalm 23:4) "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1). While it feels good to vibe high, and we should be grateful for times in our lives that allow us to feel emotionally up, labeling our uncomfortable emotions or low vibes as “bad” reduces our gratitude for what God is doing through the wilderness days. It increases doubts that God is able to do what He says in Romans 8:28-29 which says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." God seeks to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ and this often takes place in valleys of low vibes. Seeking to avoid these seasons creates a core unaligned with God's purposes as well as an inauthentic internal experience. A diamond shines brightest against the backdrop of a dark cloth. Never judge the cloth. It brings out the diamond’s light. And never pass judgment on others who might not be your “vibe” or could even be “too low vibe” for your preference. You’ve been there before, or you’ll be there at some point. We all pass through a journey of changing emotions. The other person is just in a different space than you right now (see Romans 14:1-4). Replacing judgment with compassion, for yourself and others, will help all of us grow, develop and enjoy life more. Prayer: Jesus, give me greater grace to accept everyone where they are and replace judgment with compassion.