On this past Saturday afternoon, my two girls and I visited our local McDonald’s for some ice cream relief from the Florida heat. As we exited the drive through, we saw a homeless man sitting on the curb. I’ve always taught my girls that it’s always good to help someone in need, so it was no surprise to me that my girls spoke up and said “Mom, we’d like to give some of our money to the homeless man”.
I slowed the car, rolled down the window, and invited the man to come to the car for some money to help him. He was so happy. He leaped off the curb, with a skip in his step to come and receive his monetary gift. He greeted us with a great big smile, and thanked us profusely for our kindness. As he began to walk away, he turned around and said “God Bless You and Thanks again; I’m going to share this with my friend”. I looked up and there was another homeless man sitting on the curb as well. I was completely stunned at the selfless act of the homeless man. He had nothing. He received, and the little he received, the first thing he wanted to do was help someone else… his friend.
I thought to myself, there are those of us who have much and hoard what we have and keep it for ourselves, not sharing or giving to others. A homeless man showed me what selflessness is all about. He put the need, and interest of his friend before his own. That’s how I want to be! We are all blessed to be a blessing! No matter what we have to give; time, money, or a listening ear, we should give selflessly.
I think of that day often and marvel at the compassion this homeless man showed for his friend. What a blessing he was to me that day. I believe in helping those who are less fortunate than I am, with whatever I have to offer.
I admonish you to purposely look for someone you can help today. Seek them out. Don’t wait to be asked to help, but be willing to go out of your way to help someone today!
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.”
Matthew 25:44-45 (NKJV)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Go Through!
Over the Fourth of July holiday, I drove with my family to Ft. Lauderdale Beach to have a time of rest, relaxation, and fun. On the three hour drive south, it just rained, and rained, and rained. I thought to myself, WOW! So much for an opportunity to enjoy the beach.
As we drove through what seemed to be a torrential downpour, I began to see many cars pulling off the side of the road,or pulling under bridges to wait for the storm to pass. I immediately recalled the time when my Mom was teaching me how to drive and she said “Whenever it rains, if you can help it, don’t stop and wait it out, proceed with caution and drive through the storm”. I’ve followed my Mom’s instructions for many years now, and it has proven to be the best of advice.
As we drove through the rainstorm this time, I began to see it in a different light. Ten minutes of driving through the storm, and rain, we came to a point where we’d driven out of it. It was sunny, warm, and bright. It looked as if it had never rained at all. I was completely amazed!
Life is exactly like driving through a rainstorm, inside our trials, problems, and issues, its dark, and we can’t see what is ahead of us because of the cloudiness of worry and despair.
I’m reminded of a time when a long term relationship I was in dissipated. I was very hurt, and saddened by the events that led to its final demise. I allowed myself to feel all of the hurt and pain that came with this loss, so that I can put it all behind me. Slowly, I began to push through that turbulent time in my life. Although I couldn't see my way in front of me, and I couldn’t see where I was going; I woke up every morning saying “I’m going to make it through this one day at a time”.
Pushing forward re-fueled my spirit and gave me a new confidence toward my future. With much hard work, I made it through that tough time and entered a new level in my life. I’m grateful for that dim period, because in it, I found strength and courage to always move through adverse situations.
Be encouraged to keep pressing through the storms of life, because in just a short while, the issues will be behind you and your best days will be in front of you! Wallowing in your storm with doubt and discouragement will keep you there longer!! Move forward with a vengeance expecting the bright rays of your efforts to lead you right through your storm!
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
As we drove through what seemed to be a torrential downpour, I began to see many cars pulling off the side of the road,or pulling under bridges to wait for the storm to pass. I immediately recalled the time when my Mom was teaching me how to drive and she said “Whenever it rains, if you can help it, don’t stop and wait it out, proceed with caution and drive through the storm”. I’ve followed my Mom’s instructions for many years now, and it has proven to be the best of advice.
As we drove through the rainstorm this time, I began to see it in a different light. Ten minutes of driving through the storm, and rain, we came to a point where we’d driven out of it. It was sunny, warm, and bright. It looked as if it had never rained at all. I was completely amazed!
Life is exactly like driving through a rainstorm, inside our trials, problems, and issues, its dark, and we can’t see what is ahead of us because of the cloudiness of worry and despair.
I’m reminded of a time when a long term relationship I was in dissipated. I was very hurt, and saddened by the events that led to its final demise. I allowed myself to feel all of the hurt and pain that came with this loss, so that I can put it all behind me. Slowly, I began to push through that turbulent time in my life. Although I couldn't see my way in front of me, and I couldn’t see where I was going; I woke up every morning saying “I’m going to make it through this one day at a time”.
Pushing forward re-fueled my spirit and gave me a new confidence toward my future. With much hard work, I made it through that tough time and entered a new level in my life. I’m grateful for that dim period, because in it, I found strength and courage to always move through adverse situations.
Be encouraged to keep pressing through the storms of life, because in just a short while, the issues will be behind you and your best days will be in front of you! Wallowing in your storm with doubt and discouragement will keep you there longer!! Move forward with a vengeance expecting the bright rays of your efforts to lead you right through your storm!
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)