I Like Your Shirt

Several years ago while shopping at Wal-Mart I overheard something that impressed me. A child, probably around three years old, said to a complete stranger, “I like your shirt.” While I do not have a personal knowledge of the little girl’s background, the chances are that she comes from a stable home environment. She must be growing up in a home where encouraging words and compliments are sincerely and regularly spoken.

An encouraging word that is spoken or a compliment that is given has tremendous power. It may just take a minute to give, but it will probably be remembered much longer. At times you may never know how much the encouraging word or compliment that you have given to someone meant to them.

Solomon said, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). I have often thought that we need to always give proper emphasis to the word “spoken” in that verse. We may intend to encourage or compliment someone, but unless we tell them, the person will never receive the benefit.

Often children remind us of needed lessons. And so, let’s remember the little girl who spoke just four words to a stranger, “I like your shirt.” This little girl spoke from her heart, and the other person was benefited. In the words of an old gospel song, this is one way that you can “Brighten The Corner Where You Are.”

Reflections From Today

Today Hannah turned eleven years old. Jennifer called me around 7:15 this morning to ask me if I would like to tell Hannah, "Happy birthday." This was a nice gesture. I ordered flowers for Hannah, and she received them at school. This was a big hit with her. From time to time I need to surprise her with flowers. Over the last six months or so Hannah has begun to show some real maturity. I find myself sometimes wondering what she will be like in two, four, six, or ten years. Indeed, a lot of things have happened since the first time I held her in my arms and took her over to show Jennifer, and I said, "We have a little Hannah."

Today was a reminder of the variety of things in our world. Today I substituted at Benton Middle School. I was a para, working with mentally challenged students. The first part of the day was spent in regular classrooms, assisting students. The most interesting part of the day was when I was in their special classes. The first two students I helped were able to sound out (with some assistance) simple words. The second group were much more challenged. Talking with the teacher was refreshing as we discussed that what these students needed most was to know that someone cared about them and loved them. I shudder to think of the potential discouragement they will face in their lives. Hopefully, they will be spared from it, and will always be surrounded by people who will genuinely encourage and love them.

Tomorrow is the much anticipated prostate biopsy. I am wondering if I am making too much of a deal about this event. I guess the biggest part of this is the "unknown factor." How much actual pain will I experience? Then there is the waiting for the results. And then there is "the call" with the results. To be sure, all of this will be an adventure. Times like these make me glad that Hebrews 13:5 applies.

We Need To Laugh Regularly

Sometimes we may be guilty of taking life too seriously. Of course, there are stresses and struggles along the pathway of life. But life should not be totally lived in a serious mode.

I think here of the following words from Solomon, "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken" (Proverbs 15:13). To help us enjoy a laugh, at least a smile, please read the following story. I think you will enjoy it.

Wedding Daze

A grandmother overheard 5 year old Christy "playing wedding." The wedding vows that she repeated went like this: "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say may be used against you, you have the right to have an attorney present. You may now kiss the bride."

author unknown

An Amazing Lady

One of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is to live a satisfying life. A few years ago I spoke by phone with a dear friend of mine about one week after she turned ninety-seven years of age. Her name is Gladys. She is in relatively good health and is able to live by herself. She drove her automobile until she was ninety-two. Truly, one of her greatest talents is her cooking. A personal favorite of mine is her chicken and dumplings.

When I think about Gladys, I always think about the deep love and affection she has for her family. Some of the happiest times of her life are when she is surrounded by her family. A memory that comes to mind just here took place about seventeen years ago. I had just moved to where Gladys lives the month before, and therefore I had not met all of her family. I could not believe how many people gathered at her house that afternoon. I remember being impressed with how it was very apparent of the deep love for one another that characterized this family.

As I spoke with Gladys recently, I asked what was her secret to living such a long life. She replied that she did not know the answer to that question. But then she proceeded to mention some things that have been important to the way she has lived her life. To me, these things she told me about can be considered as keys to a satisfying life. Please carefully ponder the following things that Gladys mentioned.

Hold Your Temper

The failing in the life of some people is that they allow their temper to control them. When you become greatly aggravated, the easy thing to do is to “blow your top.” But this never accomplishes anything. In fact, it is harmful to yourself and is a hurtful influence to those around you. But if you will develop patience, you will be able to hold your temper, as Gladys has been able to accomplish.

Stay Busy And Work Hard

At the foundation of Gladys’ life has been hard work. She has never been one to just sit around and let others do all the work. Also, this was a trait that she and her husband instilled in their seven children. Indeed, one of the most important building blocks in developing character in children is to instill in them the virtue of hard work.

Refuse To Complain

As Gladys told me, “I have nothing to complain about.” Her attitude is not an accident. Apparently many years ago she made up her mind that she would not complain. Unfortunately, some people allow complaining to become a part of their daily routine. And the sad result is that complaining serves to drag down the quality of our lives. Indeed, our lives will be happier and more satisfying if we will decide to approach life optimistically, think the best of people, and be content.

Our God Is Able

Our God is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. Also, His greatness is thrilling to ponder. As the Psalmist David exclaimed, “Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God , thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty” (Psalm 104:1). We face in our lives various decisions, disappointments, emotions, and even frustrations. Simply put, life is not always simple. But even when life challenges us, we can know that our God is able to meet our every need.

Please notice the following affirmation from the apostle Paul concerning the God we serve, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end” (Ephesians 3:20, 21). In a very practical way, let’s make some applications regarding the assurance we have that our God is able:

1. When the questions in life you face are difficult, you can know that our God is able. James reminded Christians, “If any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

2. When the burdens of life seem heavy, even overwhelming, do not allow your focus to drift from the calming assurance that our God is able. As Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

3. When you feel emotionally weary and discouraged, remember that you serve a God who is able. Most certainly the following message to the people of Isaiah’s day contains powerful principles for us today, “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28-29, 31).