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We should always keep in the back of our minds the brevity of life. Life
itself is so very fragile. We never know when our time on Earth will come
to an end. We never know when our loved ones will be taken away from us
or when we will be taken away from them and that is all the more reason
that we should appreciate, relish and make positive and effective use of
the time that we do have with one another. We should never take our loved
ones for granted and forget the blessing of having their presence in our
life. Simply imagining not having them around us should cause us to be
thankful that we do have them in our life. Sometimes we get angry, upset
or irritated with those that we love the most and instead of quickly
mending fences and becoming one again, we allow that strife to bring
division, discord and disconnection. We shouldn't allow our humanly
squabbles to make us forget the love that we share. We should be quick to
appreciate the fragility of time and become one again with those who mean
so much to us.
Be encouraged to see that time on Earth is very limited when compared to
the forever of Eternity. We only have a short time to love, laugh and be
merry with one another so let us use that time to our benefit and
recognize how much we have to be thankful for. Without our family and
friends life would be meaningless. The love that we hold with one another
is greater than the greatest of riches. Our relationships are priceless
gifts that need to be nurtured, cherished and upheld. We must invest
wisely in the lives of those who mean the most to us and recognize that
just as we would like for them to be there for us, we must be there for
them just the same. We can't be selfish in our relationships. We can't
dictate how or when we'll spend time together. It has to be on equal
ground and we must be there for them just as they are there for us.
I encourage you again to think on the shortness of time. Think on your
loved ones and if there is anything lacking do all that you can to fill
that need. I firmly believe that love implied is not the same as love
shown. Speak your love, show your love and make sure that the recipient
knows exactly how you feel about them. Recognize how much you would miss
them if they were gone from your life and do all that you can to show your
appreciation that they are still here for you. I believe that recognizing
our blessings is just as important as having our blessings.
I hope this message encourages and challenges your heart to appreciate
every gift and blessing that you are lucky enough to have in your life.
IT’S WORTH IT
The mattock cut into the ground again and again. Every time I raised it I
slammed it down even harder. It felt as heavy in my arms as my broken
heart did in my chest. Still, I powered through the pain and finished
loosening up the dirt. I tossed the mattock aside, picked up a shovel and
began to dig. Sweat and tears burned my eyes, but I didn’t stop. I kept
going until the aching in my arms and back matched the aching of my soul.
Only when I was too exhausted to go on did I finally drop the shovel and
look down at the body of my friend. My old pal of thirteen years lay stiff
upon the ground. My beloved dog was gone.
Harley was a black Lab and Husky mix that we had rescued from a shelter.
Over the years he had made friends with every neighbor I had. His gentle
manner and wagging tail won over every heart. His big, furry body
attracted hugs like a magnet. His fun-loving nature made everyone smile.
He was as sweet, loyal, and loving a friend as any man could ever want. I
was a better person because he was in my life, but now his time with me
had passed.
I gently lifted his body into the grave I had dug and thanked God again
for giving him to me for so long. As I covered the grave with dirt and
heavy rocks I thought about what someone had asked me the last time a dog
of mine had died. “Why do you have dogs when you are only going to go
through such pain?” As I finished my work and wiped the dirt, sweat and
tears from my face I knew the answer.
Because it is worth it. The Love is worth the pain! The Love is Always
worth the pain! We are meant for love. God put us here to love. If death
and pain are part of the price we must pay for that love, then I will pay
it. Love is what makes life worth living. And love transcends even death.
As I walked out of the woods I pictured Harley young and healthy again. I
smiled at him as he wagged his tail and told my old friend to return to
the love that made him, just as we all will one day do.
I love you Harley. I miss you. You were my dog and my friend and you
blessed my life more than I can say. Thank you for the love you shared and
the joy you gave.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Romans 12:16-18 “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high
things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in
the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live
peaceably with all men.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be
content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,
and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”
Philippians 2:2-3 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the
same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better
than themselves.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are
unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all
men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: I WILL NOT WORRY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem95.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: VICKIE'S WAY TO A NEW LIFE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony94.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
