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It is important that we remember and recognize those who have helped us and
been there for us in times past. There are many people that we've come
across during our lifetime that have done so much to teach us, encourage
us, inspire us, lift us up and let us know how special we are and how much
we have to offer this world. Those who have given of themselves selflessly
deserve our recognition for all that they have done for us. By giving
people the praise and credit that they deserve, we are encouraging their
hearts to know that they made a difference and with our thanks we are
showing them our appreciation and gratitude for helping to make us better,
wiser and stronger than we were before.
Just as we would like to be thanked for being helpful, let us remember
those who have done so much for us and give them the attention they
deserve. It may be a teacher, a co-worker, a relative, a spouse or a
friend. When we know in our hearts that they made a difference in our
lives, we should take the initiative and show our thankfulness. Giving
thanks can be done in many ways. We can buy them a gift, treat them to
lunch, write a heartfelt letter or we can sit down with them and share
point by point what they did to bless our life. You may not think doing
this is a big deal or that you don't have enough time to do it, but I
encourage you to see the importance of giving credit to those who were
there for you when you needed them.
I can remember doing this not too long ago to a friend of mine who was
there for me during a difficult time in my life. She didn't know it at
the time, but she helped to encourage, inspire and lift me up when I
needed it the most. That was nearly 15 years ago and as I was remembering
her kindness not too long ago, I thought it would be good to let her know
how much I appreciate her kindness. I wrote her a short letter, maybe
three paragraphs writing in detail what she did for me and how much I
appreciated her kindness.
I thanked her and told her that I would never forget her. My recognition
of her selflessness was a very simple thing to do, but it meant so much to
her. She responded very modestly thanking me and telling me how touched
she was by the letter and she ended the letter by saying “As you will not
forget me, I will not forget you...” I know my heart was happy for
recognizing her kindness and thanking her for it and I know that others
will be just as touched and encouraged when you tell them the difference
they have made in your life.
Be encouraged to think on the many people who have made a difference in
your life and make an extra effort to show your gratitude and appreciation.
It may take you a little time, but it will be the best investment of time
that you can make.
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to see and remember
the many people who were there for you in times past.
WHO'S YOUR HERO?
One of those strange newspaper stories told of a 19-year-old woman who had
been charged in Los Angeles with two counts of trespassing - after
sneaking into the home of actor Brad Pitt and trying on his clothes.
I suppose we have different ways of adoring our heroes...But who are our
real heroes?
I was given a little quiz recently. See how well you do:
Name the five wealthiest people in the world. Name five Olympic gold
medalists. Name the last five winners of your national beauty contest.
Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
Name the last half-dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
Name the last decade’s national or world champions in your favorite sport.
These people, of course, are the best in their fields. But fame is fleeting
and outstanding performance is too soon forgotten.
Now try another quiz: List a few teachers who aided your journey through
school. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. Think of a few
people who have made you feel appreciated and special. Think of five
people you enjoy spending time with. Name half a dozen heroes whose
stories have inspired you.
If you found the second quiz easier, it may be because those people who
make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the best degrees or
pedigrees, nor are they the most honored or acclaimed. The people who make
a difference are those who care. They may never have seen a battle; never
scored a winning goal; never been featured in a magazine. But they have
been busy helping you to be the best you can be. Let’s remember and thank
our real heroes. And don’t be surprised if someone thanks you.
By Steve Goodier
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 25:37-40 Jesus declares “Then shall the righteous answer Him,
saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and
gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked,
and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto
Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye
have done it unto Me.”
1 John 4:10-12 “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved
us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God
so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at
any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is
perfected in us.”
Psalm 37:3-5 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the
land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and
He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the
LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”
Colossians 3:23-25 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of
the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong
shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of
persons.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: LIFE WITHOUT PURPOSE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem57.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: OUT OF DARKNESS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony103.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
