Do you know any of these people? People who never think of anyone else, but judge people based on what they do for THEM? People who continually fly in the face of convention, mindfully doing the WRONG thing and never suffering the consequences of their actions? People who are so self involved and self centered they CANNOT open their eyes to the suffering of someone else? I guess we all know these people. And if you are like me – you are always asking yourself….WHY? All my life, I’ve heard these types described as “silver spooners” – or living a charmed life – or my favorite….being born under a lucky star. I’d kind of like to know which star it is – I’d plan a party and we could all go sit under it.
Why do these people never seem to have to face the music as it were?
And then, there are those people who honestly try to do good, do right and still suffer. People who in spite of all their good intentions cannot live up to the expectations of others. Or worse, those who have to learn their value to other people is only as deep and lasting as the dollar signs in their checkbook. It must be a terrible feeling to know that just because a person is financially unable to do what they once could – they no longer matter. I see it everyday – no one steps forward to ask “can I do something for you?” “Could I help you with that?”
Why does the music seem to play for them endlessly?
Well, maybe it is because God knows the “spooners” are basically weak and therefore unable to stand in the withering heat of challenges, disappointments and failures. And maybe God knows that the valueless people here on earth are the ones that will reap his richest benefits in their ultimate reward.
One of the greatest gifts a human being can possess is the gift of discernment. Being able to see a need and set aside a pre-conceived notion of why that need is there or what the person did to “deserve” their lot in life – and step up with a giving spirit and a generous heart and HELP!
I know some people like this – unfortunately I also know some of the other kind. You can sit in church every Sunday till the trump sounds and if you have not “gotten” this basic principle of loving your fellow man – I fear you might be wasting your time.
Look around you. People are hurting, people are in need, people are scared, sick – dying. And one small gesture from you could make all the difference in the world. You might not be able to stop the pain, end the need, kick the boogie man to the curb or heal their sickness – but you can gladden their heart. You can show them they matter…they still have a value. Don’t wait for them to wrestle themselves into a position where they can reach out to you – you go first. Stick out your hand, open your eyes, soften your heart and give of yourself. You may find the payback is enormous.
One of the biggest problems in the world today, in my little humble and non-important opinion is that no one wants to make the first move. We are all sitting around in our “state of being wronged” waiting for the other person to say “I’m sorry.” I ask you….who is the bigger person? The person who sits on his I’M RIGHT AND THEY ARE WRONG pillow or the person who probably was right all along who is willing to say…I’m sorry – I was wrong for hurting you.
BTW……I’m sorry and I was wrong.
1 comment:
Another classic lesson straight from the pages of Jesus' teachings! Great thought provoking subject. Just another step closer to understanding that it's not about what we do for an hour on Sunday morning, but how we use our time serving others!!
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