Tag Archives: Caring

Looking Out for Each Other

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Should we still be looking out only for number one? Maybe the time has come to give a little thought to our fellow humans, whether they be family, friends, presidents, or the grocery store clerk.

What does it take to look out for others? A simple phone call to see if there is a need to be addressed; a well timed visit, following all health protocols of course; and a heartfelt prayer here and there when all else fails…or even when it doesn’t.

Scripture speaks to this growing concern in our world today. Perhaps we should take its advice to be sure that we are looking out for each other.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.1 Corinthians 10:24

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Happy Sunday.

A Work in Progress

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How many of us start out the new year with resolutions to make ourselves into someone who gets rid of harmful habits and resolves to be a better person than the previous year/years?

We’re going to be more productive and proactive, more loving and caring, less grouchy and picky; no more dope and smokes, no more overeating and drinking…on and on we plan. And then…flop!

Well, don’t you worry. We’ll get there one day because…

Blessings

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There are so many ways in which blessings come to us; visits, caring phone calls and emails. People asking for prayer and someone saying they are praying for us are blessings. Getting an unexpected hug in times of social distancing is a definite blessing. Knowing God loves us and is with us always is the ultimate blessing. In these uncertain times, it is so good to know that. Happy Sunday.

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Not an Easy Road

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We all know of the heartbreaking death of George Floyd on May 25th. Whatever his past deeds, this cruel and callous end to his life was not warranted. It has not been an easy road for George and his people and the road ahead will not be easy, but all of us can be a part of justice and world change by keeping the picture of Mr. Floyd’s brutal death alive in our hearts and minds. This atrocity should never again touch a black life, or any life for that matter. Peace be with you.

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ Matthew 5:21. 

Send Me

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One of the most meaningful hymns in my life at one time was “Here I Am, Lord.” It touched my heart and led me into a life of serving God’s people in a way I had never before experienced. When we say, “Send me” many doors open into a world in need of friendship and caring. Happy Sunday.

Is That True?

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While getting my hair cut yesterday, a stylist asked a gentleman across the way what kind of hair cut he would like. He answered, “I’m easy; I’m sixty-six and there comes a time in life when you get to take a vacation from always caring what you look like.”

Is that true? Happy Saturday.

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Sharing

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The best part of caring is sharing. Here is one of my great-granddaughters sharing a cookie with me on a recent visit. What makes this picture so special is that I had done the same thing with her mother with a french fry thirty-six years ago. Do your share of sharing today. Happy Saturday.

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Paying It Forward

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Today’s post is a follow-up to A Goal of Love posted on Saturday, March 2nd which was about a hockey player taking time out of his day to be kind to a young fan. The goaltender was more than kind; he epitomized everything in this  banner.

How often does something wonderful happen to us and we think we should pay it forward but something blocks our action to follow through. Perhaps we need reminding of this simple little gesture of good will by keeping these words at the forefront of our lives.

No matter what, buy the person behind you in the drive through, the person next to you at lunch, smile and hi to a perfect stranger. If you have ever been done for some one or had someone do it for you, you know it's most amazing feeling.

 

 

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Our Perception of Life

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A friend shared this with me last Saturday morning because I had used the words, I can see clearly now as the finishing touch on a post,  The Plank In My Eye on March 9th. I have always loved the song.  The following is indeed another life lesson in itself, again taken from the song, I Can See Clearly Now written by Johnny Nash in 1972.

Do you know who Johnny Nash is? In my opinion, he is a genius who provided a tremendous life lesson hidden in the lyrics of a great song. If you investigate the meaning behind the message, you’ll discover the impact of his words.

Have you ever realized that your perception of life is the lens through which you view your life? Our perception truly shapes our reality. Is your lens clear, and do you like what you see? Or have you allowed circumstances in your life to cloud up your lens and change your viewpoint and perspective?

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone.”

I love this lyric. Here is a person who has cleaned his lens. The rain was blocking his vision of life. When the “hard rain” is pouring down all around, it’s easy to miss the beauty around you, the opportunities open to you.

“I can see all obstacles in my way.”

This person has arrived at a moment of clarity. Now that the rain is gone, he can finally see the obstacles preventing him from the goals and dreams he has been pursuing without success. Once you define and acknowledge your obstacles, you can create a compelling plan of action to turn these obstacles into tangible opportunities.

“Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.”

Wow, this is such a powerful use of words! We have all experienced “dark cloud” moments in our life. We have been hurt and disappointed. We have experienced losses and unexpected moments of sadness. We have been this close to a major victory only to fall short and have to start over. To me, these powerful words represent a message of hope. The dark clouds in our life will disappear. We will maintain our faith and belief that things can and will work out in the end.

“It’s going to be a bright bright sunshiny day”

Beautiful optimism! What an inspiring and positive outlook this lyric projects. This person has cleared off the lens, recognized the obstacles, removed the dark clouds, and replaced his blindness with a powerful vision. The road ahead is bathed in bright sunshine.

Johnny Nash’s words are open to interpretation, but I believe the rain could have been a series of negative emotions. The obstacles could have been the source of that (rain) pain. The dark clouds could have been the acceptance of those negative emotions causing blindness to the possibilities. The bright sunshiny day could be the moment the person said, “No more! From today forward, I will take hold of my life and choose to look through my lens with the hope, faith, and confidence that a bright future brings.”

Clear your lens and embrace your future – every day. What song has a lot of meaning to you?

Make A Difference Today,
~Paul