Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.


Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.


Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.


Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.


Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

God bless and AMEN!

(((Jingle)))

thank you so much for that very important reminder!

Jingle

That was beeeauuutiful.

I'm a little nervous about attending my friend's brother's funeral. I haven't been physically able to shop for clothes in years - and financially unable to shop for clothes in the last few years.

I'll be showing up in old faded blue jeans, sweat shirt, raggedy tennis shoes, a worn out coat, and unrully hair in desperate need of a cut. My friend won't care, but I feel it looks disrespectful for a person to show up at a funeral dressed like that - don't think I'm alone in that thinking.

I won't care if people give me any funny looks - but I WILL care if they say anything to my friend about me. It will make her furious - she's like a sister to me and very protective of her "little sister." I'd hate to see a brawl break out.

So, may I add one more?

Dear God - help us to remember that the woman dressed in casual rags at the funeral has just as much respect for the dead (and living relatives) as everyone else in church. If she could, she'd wear a nice black dress, shoes and coat - and her hair would be beautifully styled.

((((Kathy)))))

ya made me cry..... they were tears of deep appreciation for you!

you always have a way of expressing things to really make me think about people and actions and motives and what it really means to love one another

I know your friend is going to be so blessed to have you there with her at this sad time for her

(((kathy)))

those who have kindness in their hearts will see the real you. the present inside the wrappings. it's the gift you are giving, not the "package".

So true...

((( Kathy ))) The one you added about Inner Beauty is incredibly important and shines with its own beauty. Thank you.
God bless and keep you.