I saw this video Sunday (day 12) and it really moved me:
What would it take, to decide to live your life like that?
Not only to give money, and to provide food, but to touch another human being, care for and wash a stranger's face and rub tired, weary legs.
What would a person have to believe to live like that?
It reminds me of one of my most favorite stories about Jesus (found in John, chapter 13) when He, who has declared Himself The Light, The Life, The Savior of the world, The Only Begotten Son (who is referred to, by His disciples, as the Master) - washes the feet of His disciples. There is a lot of symbolism in this act, but also, a call for all mankind to do likewise;
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| [Can someone help me credit this image? I have it in my house, but I don't know where I got it, or who painted it.] |
I am frustrated by my limitations today. In my efforts to really make this month special, I am seeing that I can only do so much. (and it's not much). And in the mean time, even though I feel I am really making an effort -- I'm still messing up, forgetting things, even CHRISTMAS things (duh!!)... and so, today I've felt disappointed in myself.
Doing this Christmas challenge, I am learning (once again) the obvious, for example;
1. I think I will struggle with my limitations forever. I hate them.
2. I can't do all the things I would like to do in one month, or even a year, maybe a lifetime. This challenge may have to be extended.
3. Flexibility is very important and a good attitude is essential.
4. Sometimes you have to pick and choose what you'll do, knowing what you've chosen not to do in that moment. That part is really hard.
5.Simplicity is all too often overlooked. I need to keep it simple!! I happened to run across this list today and it was very inspiring and has given me some ideas for daily challenges:
- mend a quarrel
- seek out a forgotten friend
- dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust
- write a letter
- give a soft answer (boy, I could really work on this one)
- encourage youth
- manifest your loyalty in word and deed
- keep a promise
- forgo a grudge
- forgive an enemy
- apologize
- try to understand
- examine your demands on others
- think first of someone else
- be kind
- be gentle
- laugh a little more
- express your gratitude
- welcome a stranger
- gladden the heart of a child
- take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth
- speak your love and then speak it again -[President Howard W. Hunter]
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye DO them."
John 13:3 - I believe that is true.
3 comments:
dear girl...you have EXACTLY what it takes.
you will always be MORE THAN ENOUGH.
my life is sweeter for knowing and loving YOU.
rest in that.
take a deep breath.
close your eyes and smile.
let Him give you PEACE.
always devoted to you. xox
this video...so powerful. xox
I can't imagine you giving anything but positive soft answers Meliss... but I do appreciate that you see yourself as human (because I see you as superwoman).
And yes, I am getting caught up on these posts because as you may have noticed from my lack of posting the month of December I haven't spent much time on the internet this month.
PS. I was telling Danny about your challenges and how much i have loved reading them; and I remnded him who your family was "the neat onces that came to the BBQ years ago, with the twins and the son...and I hadn't seen them in forev..." and he cut me off in the most positive way and said "I really like them."
:)
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