We Are Not Alone by Susan Schutz
We need to feel more to understand others
We need to love more to be loved back
We need to cry more to cleanse ourselves
We need to laugh more to enjoy ourselves
We need to see more other than our own little fantasies
We need to hear more and listen to the needs of others
We need to give more and take less
We need to share more and own less
We need to look more and realize that we are not so
different from one another
We need to create a world where all can peacefully live the
life they choose
I read this poem in a devotional book I am currently working
on and fell in love with it. What a great way to start 2014 by reading something
so powerful as to make you aware of the effect that every emotion we encounter
in our lives can have on another’s life. Using our experiences to help others.
Allowing our tears (though painful and uncomfortable at times) to help cleanse
our souls. Laughing as much as we breathe in order to keep our hearts young and
full of natural joy. Challenging ourselves to look around and realize that the
world goes on whether we are hurting or not and moving on is an expected and
forced component of life. Listening rather than just speaking…. That right
there is a humble and chivalrous concept in itself that will bless the
multitude you try it toward. Giving all that you can, not just physically, but
emotionally and spiritually as well. Giving is quite often a challenge to a
great deal of people, I would even say it is comparable to that of the issue of
sharing (siblings can relate I am sure). The blessings that pour down once we
allow ourselves to give up is insurmountable and beyond one to be put into words.
God sanctifies those who give, share, and bless without grumbling or
complaining. It is so hard at times, but so worth it! You reap what you sow,
and if you are sowing a harvest of blessing to everyone you come across,
imagine what God will bestow upon you throughout this next year.
I would love
to challenge anyone that is up to it to simply take this next year to be more
aware of life. Be aware of who you come in contact with and even be aware of
who you don’t. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to
strangers for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing
it.” What a neat thought… by showing sincere kindness and joy to someone you
don’t even know, you could be personally affecting the kingdom of God and those
who have taken up residency with Christ. These above thoughts alone are so
exciting and even more so exciting when you realize that God has equipped you
with every ounce of strength, wisdom, and patience to get out there and make a
difference within your homes, schools, place of business, and society.
Each and
every action you choose has a ripple effect as that of tossing a pebble into a
still pond. Will the ripple effect you cause be one to change the world for its
betterment? Or will it diminished the efforts of your personal ministry? It may
sound harsh… but every word and action you choose has the potential to build up
or tear down someone/something… Let’s dare one another to build up, take
challenges, show hospitality, give, share, cry, laugh, love, learn, and look at
life as the beautiful but short gift it truly is. This life is nothing more
than a temporary home where we are blessed daily with the task of bringing
others to the love, mercy, and joy of Christ so that one day we can reach our
permanent address of Heaven, and be surrounded by all the lives we touched.
Get out there and make 2014 one that won’t have you wishing
in 2015 that you would have done more. Set your priorities, stick to them, and
be a blessing. Start by smiling more often :)
God bless your 2014 & may God be the driving force
behind your every motive.
With love,
Kristin McKenzie
(This Blog dedicated to my amazing mother who laughs and loves more than anyone I know)
