His Truth in Life (4)
Hats We Wear
We each wear different hats, representing who we are. On the cruise boat were both passengers and crew from all over the world. When in a mix like that, everything we say and do represents America. And just a few people can color people's idea of what Americans are like. No wonder they hate us. I couldn't believe the loud rudeness and whining from just Americans, "That was too far, too long, too short, too crowded, too loud, too cold, too hot”, you name it. And others noticed. I talked to people from other countries at tables near us and folks on lounges near us, folks from around the world. One said she couldn't understand, "It's always the Americans you hear grousing. These Americans have so much, but they never stop wanting more or complaining."
We need to look at ourselves. Ask yourself, "What do others see when they see me? Am I a complainer? Am I always looking for something more, or am I content with what I have?" We in the U.S. are so very blessed. Do we walk around appreciating what we have or are we grousing about what we don't? When we are out and about, we represent not only Americans, but other groups, all men, all women, our race, and most of, all our faith. We are out and about all the time. What do others see when they see me, when they see you? Someone with peace, who is patient, kind, good, etc., showing the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)? We are to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). Do they see Christ in me? In you? Something enduring to think about.
Healing
Some of us bruise easily, both physically and emotionally. A thoughtless, or selfish, or hurtful remark by someone we care for, for example. Those kind of bruises hurt worse than they look. Others might not be aware you are hurting. The offending person might not even be aware he/she has hurt you. By remembering the hurts, turning them over and over in your mind, some have bruises that are never allowed heal. We've all heard the sayings, "No Pain No Gain." Forgive and Forget." Well, I enjoy what I am doing when I gain weight. Of course the gym is another matter. As for forgive and forget. No way. Even if I could forgive, I can't forget. I am not God. He chooses to forget. As He told us in Is. 43:25 "I, even I am the One who wipes out your transgressions. I will not remember your sins." The bruises cannot heal because we have not forgiven the person who hurt us. I cannot forget, but I can forgive, as we are commanded to do. (Matt.6:14-15, Mark 11:26). My past is filled with the kind of bruises that could have left me totally emotionally disabled. I couldn't heal until I came to understand what it cost so that my sins were forgiven (Is. 53:5). I have not only forgiven all those who have hurt me, but best of all I am free! I no longer hurt from anyone in my past. My body may bruise easily, but people cannot bruise me any more. As I remind some of the people I bless, God loves us more than any person can. He has proven it in His coming to earth, in his sacrificial death and his resurrection. And I remember that people WILL hurt me from time to time. They are human, not perfect. And neither am I.
Not in Control
We went sailing! I watched power boats zoom around as we were slowly, quietly moving with the wind. Power boaters probably think they are in control, but they aren't. It is rare for there to be fatalities associated with sailboats. Power boats are a different story. Power boaters like the speed. I thought, sailors know we are not in control. We are dependent on God for the wind and have great respect for the forces of nature He controls. I like the gracefulness and quiet of the sailboat, as we glide along looking at the mansions of Palm Beach Island and am thankful for the sunshine and light wind.
Every Day Ministry
In going about, wherever I go, I speak of God. When I give people cards and they ask to be put on my Monday Smile list to the people and promise to email me, I don't expect them to actually email me. Only one person has ever emailed me from I card I handed out and she now gets Monday Smiles. Still, it makes me happy the thought was there. Every once in a while someone wants one of my books. I keep a copy of each in our cars. And there are people for whom my "God bless you. Remember He is watching over you and loves you more than any person can" brings tears to their eyes. Each had needed to hear those words that minute. Amazing, awesome. I am so thankful for this ministry.