Good News Minute

Has anyone else noticed how awkward the weekly Good News Minute (GNM) can be in a Single's Ward? I'm personally a big fan of the concept--the minute, not the awkward. Human nature in this day and age seems to dictate that we be pessimistic and cynical 24/7, so its a good habit to attend to the "Good News" of life as often as possible.

A car purchase, or a new job, or the finishing of Finals--all these I can handle. Props to you for recognizing the good in your life!! But sitting in a Singles Ward Relief Society occasionally brings out a variety of awkward comments you have to deal with as well.

Yes, it may be good news in your world that you had a date last weekend. However, making it your contribution to the GNM suggests this sort of event is quite out of the ordinary, making you seem pathetic and then we feel bad for you.

Or how about the Good News that isn't actually your own? You hear a lot of "My sister is having a baby!" and the like. I do have a nephew and I appreciate the joy of new additions to the family. But when sisters share about nieces/nephews during the GNM, I can't help but think, "Well that's all well and good, but isn't anything good happening for YOU?"

Finally, I take issue with Engagement Announcements during the GNM. Don't misunderstand--that is definitely GOOD NEWS. It fits all the criteria for something to be shared during GNM. My issue is how engagement news trumps all others. Suddenly your new car, new twin nieces, or upcoming trip across Europe...are nothing. No matter what you do, or what you achieve or what you come up with--you will not reach the grand heights this sister has. She has touched the Holy Grail of Good News, and there is no way you can compete with that.

Still, we keep on trying. All those awkward date announcements have got to be worth something in the end, right?