"Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~ Plato
A friend of mine uses the above quote at the conclusion of each her personal email notes. If one were to look at this woman as she works & serves in our community, her life would almost look perfect. She's graceful, articulate, beautiful, smart, strong, influential, and much more! And, while she totally has ALL of those qualities, she is fighting her own battle. She has a few friends who are supporting her through this time. But, for the most part... she fights the battle in silence.
I'm on a journey now due to someone else's choices. It's a journey that I would never have guessed would happen and a journey that I would never have chosen. But, it is the road I must travel. My choices are to either face the battle & live it with grace & dignity OR to run & hide from the battle.
Some battles are played out on the public arena. Some battles are fought in quiet solitude. It's easy to look at what we are fighting and assume that almost everyone else is smoothly sailing along. In fact, most of those around us are fighting battles of one type or another.
Where ever we are in our journey, we have the opportunity to lighten the load of another with a simple kindness...
... a smile & kind word
... a card or note to say thanks or "I'm thinking of you!"
... a hug or hand shake
... a flower pulled out of your gardenWhen we focus on others, even if only for a brief moment, we can't be focusing (and dwelling) on our problems. They are blessed. We are blessed in turn.
And, don't forget to grab some strength for the battles from the simple joys that surround you each day...
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| The beginning of a new day. |
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| The architecture of a tree. |
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| Fond memories of favorite times & places. |
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| The rustle of leaves or corn in a field. |
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| The colors of a sunset |
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| A picture of a little one. |
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| A silly cartoon. |
His Words:
(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog; using it because i love the words of God)
- "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another." Zechariah 7:9
- "... the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles... " 2 Chronicles 32:8
- "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart." Proverbs 3:3
- "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you." 2 Chronicles 20:17
- "The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." Proverbs 18:10
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Simple joys are a great place to focus especially when battles rage around you and inside you. Praying that centering on blessings provides us with the simple joy needed to make it through the day! Blessings, Mary! Visiting you from Ann's link up.
ReplyDeleteGrateful that you stopped by & left a comment. I love counting the simple joys in my life. They are like little hugs from God - all along the way - reminding me of his love for me and of his faithfulness. Blessings to you today!!
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