Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, it is still morning, although I am a little later this morning. I got up at 12:30 this morning to close the windows that were open, because of a sudden rainstorm that woke me up. It just poured for awhile, very unexpectedly. God knows we need rain!
Anyway, now that the furnace is fixed, we will have warm weather for awhile. It was actually too warm to walk yesterday afternoon, after the repairmen left, but I did ride through the park, and took a little comfort in seeing the azaleas, the calm water and the trees all turning bright green, with spring growth. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
1 John 4:7 "Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God."
Jean Thompson stood in front of her fifth grade class on the first day of school and told them that she loved each child in the class equally. But she knew that wasn't entirely true, because there in front of her was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.
Mrs Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn't play well with the other children. His clothes were unkempt, and he always seemed to need a bath.
When Mrs Thompson reviewed Teddy's records, she found that his first grade teacher has written, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is well liked by his classmates, but troubled because his mother has a terminal illness."
His third grade teacher wrote, "Teddy continues to work hard, but his mother's death has affected him." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn..."
At Christmas, Teddy brought Mrs Thompson a present. She opened the package and found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing and a partial bottle of cologne. She mentioned how pretty the bracelet was and dabbed some of the perfume behind her wrist. Teddy said, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smell just like my mom used to."
Just as Mrs. Thompson realized that she had let Teddy's physical appearance and poor attitude color her judgment of him, many of us are guilty of doing the same thing at times. The words and actions of other people fan wound a tender spirit, especially that of a child.
As you reflect upon your day, ask yourself how your actions impacted other people? It's important to remember that Jesus loved everyone regardless of position in life, character, intelligence, or physical beauty. The Bible says, "Love thy neighbor." It doesn't say love them only if they're pretty, or the mayor, or the minister. Remember, there is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly.
Do not judge men by mere appearances; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy.
Edwin Hubbell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
