Several years ago I fell off my kitchen counter.  I was unable to reach something on the top shelf, so I climbed onto the kitchen counter, with my socks on my feet.  Needless to say, I lost my bearings and fell off of the counter onto the kitchen floor.  After that incident, my husband suggested that I buy a step stool.  Although I am 5’2, I have never considered myself to be short in stature.

Although I purchased the step stool, I typically resisted using it.  Yesterday proved to be no exception.  I could not reach something at the top of my linen closet.  Instead of getting my step stool immediately, I tried every possible method to reach the item.   It was only after several attempts did I, with much resignation and disgust, get the step stool to use. As I was stomping into the kitchen, I asked myself why I hated using the step stool?  I realized that I hated admitting that I needed help.  The step stool is designed to help; that is its purpose.  The only way the step stool can do what it is designed to do, is that it is utilized.  My unwillingness to acknowledge my need, prevented me from seeking help.

As Christians, we can have the same stubbornness about seeking God’s help, as I had about using the step stool. There is no way that we can be successful without God, yet we struggle, and struggle, and struggle trying to do things on our own, and in our own way.

The step stool was there to help, if I choose to use it. God is there waiting and eager to help, if we choose to acknowledge Him and be obedient.  God desires that we live an abundant life (John 10:10), and He will give us whatever we need to live that life.

God is waiting for us to turn to him and ask for help, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:  if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”  (Revelation 3:20 KJV).  God wants to help, “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known unto God.”  (Philippians 4:6 KJV).

As we move forward in this life, we can save ourselves much struggle and grief, if we simply acknowledge our need for God, and daily seek His guidance and  assistance.

​
Blessings To You - Janice

I was recently contemplating thoughtfulness.  It came to mind recently when I was out with a friend on Memorial Day.  We decided to go to a Memorial Day event.  I just had myself, but she had herself and a bag full of goodies that she made to give out to military and law enforcement members.  As we walked along the event, she would routinely stop and ask if she could give them a little something in appreciation of their service.  Each person was visibly moved by her gift, which was a simple note card with a word of thanks and a lollipop.  While the gift was simple, what was moving was that she was thinking about them when she made the item – that she was being thoughtful!

I have another dear friend, who will routinely, without fanfare or fuss, picks up food to give to homeless individuals as we walk back from lunch in downtown Dallas.  She is moved with compassion for the individuals, and thinks about them as she is purchasing lunch.  She is thoughtful!

Another person I know takes young girls, whose parents don’t have funds, to events and parks with her children.  When she is planning events for her family, she thinks of other children - she is thoughtful!  I could go on and on and on about the thoughtfulness of others.

Thoughtful as defined by Merriam-Webster means taking thought for the comfort and the good of others.  This definition feels incomplete to me – it just simply does not encompass the spirit and intent behind their actions.

What strikes me about the examples above, and the others that I have in my heart, but did not provide, is that not one of these individuals sees herself as doing something different or unique, it is simply who they are – it springs from their core. The motivation behind each of their actions is love!

There are many scriptures that encourage thoughtfulness and discuss the blessings that come with such action – some of the ones that come to mind are included below:

Romans 12:10:  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Luke 6:36-38: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.  37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Hebrews 13:1-2:   Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

I marvel at the thoughtfulness  of others – and it encourages me to reach for a higher level – to put my eyes on others and not on myself.

Do you have an example of thoughtfulness you would like to share?

Glory To God for All That He Has Done - Blessings To You!

​Janice