Friday, July 5, 2013
Justified Measures
Have you ever taken a moment to think about all the things we measure in life? In cooking we measure each ingredient to make sure the desired dish comes out tasting great. During a building project we calculate each measurement precisely to ensure proper function and safety. We even measure our kids to see how fast they’re growing. In each case, we always have tools to help us achieve an accurate assessment. Our society has even taught us how to measure a person socially by judging a person based on certain standards such as wealth, education, social standing or appearance. Now, I ask you, “By what, do we measure these attributes and how can we feel secure in the accuracy of our ‘measurement’ of that person? How much does our approval of each other really matter in the long run anyway?” Yes, in some social situations achieving approval from certain individuals may provide prosperity to a person’s immediate future but does it really benefit later on or even where it matters most-eternity? Remember everything that happens, every decision that you make will affect your life, those around you and your future: here and for eternity!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Handful of Change
It’s Christmastime and all the stores are adorn with festive lights and decorations in an attempt to enhance the holiday spirit. Bell-ringers faithfully stand by each storefront with their clinking bells, big red pots and “Merry Christmas” greetings hoping to acquire all the change left in the hands of those last minute shoppers. Many put the change in their pocket and walk on by without a second glance. Others drop the change into their pocket without a second thought, mainly to avoid the hassle of having to put it back in their wallets. After all it is just change, right? What difference could a few coins really make? ‘It’s not like a handful of change is going to make a difference in the world!’ Yet, the truth is, a handful of “change” could make a difference in someone’s life without costing a penny!Okay, so that last statement may sound like a riddle but it really isn’t if you think about it. When someone speaks of a ‘handful’ or something ‘in hand’ they are usually referring to something in one’s possession (Webster’s Online Dictionary). Most possessions are considered valuable if only to the owner. Many things could be considered possessions but not all are monetary. Some possessions come in the form of skills, talents, abilities or even personality traits.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Zoe
Zoe is your name but love is the lesson you teach by example to all those around you. You live not wanting to miss a thing, going full throttle until sleep sneaks up on you. And you laugh-yes laugh! I am amazed that you can give such a peculiar, almost thoughtful look through those big, passionate brown eyes. After which, you throw your head back with a grin, take a running head start and tackle me a huge hug and a lot of love. How enlightened I feel when I allow myself to learn from your unpretentious, sincere and innocent nature.
Oh, how much richer our lives would be and how valued our loved ones would feel if we all followed your example of living life to its fullest and loving without hesitation. When we find such an impressive example of simplistically living with a pure heart, we are wise to follow it. Even wiser, to refuse to be hindered by the fact that this message of how to live a contented life is packaged in a four-legged, pug nosed bundle of fur!
Maybe you can’t actually speak but you communicate volumes. Oh, the volumes you could teach us humans! If I could actually have a conversation with you, I would tell you how thankful I am for the insight you have given me. Maybe I’m the one who doesn’t understand for somehow assuming that you don’t already know. Zoe-your name means life. You definitely inspire life and give honor to your name!
copyright Morning Glories 2009
David Danced!
During one of my nursing rounds, I went to check on one of my patients who had an IV antibiotic infusing. I realized the antibiotic was finished so I proceeded to disconnect the IV as I said, “Now you will be able to move around the room a little easier without having to drag around this IV pole.” A visitor that was present in the room at the time said with a laugh, “You can even get up and dance a jig!” to which he immediately responded, “Oh no, God would get me for that!”. As I listened I quickly debated over whether to respond to what I had heard or to just act as if I didn’t. It only took a few seconds before I came to a decision as I heard myself say, “Well, David danced!”. That comment provoked a look of wonder from the man. Then, to elaborate on my previous remark I said, ”You know, king David in the Bible”. The man abruptly turned to me with the strangest look of awe in his eyes and a slight grin on his face. He didn’t even speak for several seconds but just gazed at me as if pleasantly confused. I couldn’t help but giggle a bit as I looked at him and said, “Oh, you didn’t think I would know that, did you?”. To this remark, his grin progressed into a huge smile as a discussion of celebrating God’s grace developed among those of us in the room.
As we talked, the demeanor of the man lightened and I began to think to myself that in this moment we were experiencing evidence of God’s word. The Word states that where two or three are present in his name, there he will be also (Matthew 18:20). He revealed his presence in that room that day by the glow of the faces and the lifting of mood all around. All this brought about merely by sharing God’s given knowledge of him to someone else.
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