There are a number of ways to assign value to something or someone. Usefulness is one, or the joy they bring to us. We can bring both to God and should, but He has already assigned our value to Him simply by the price He was willing to pay for our restoration. Our value to God and to ourselves is determined by that, more than any other thing.
“God so
Living on a boat for years gave me a lot of practice at this. Something is always breaking on a boat. After a while you learn to patiently accept it, and focus on fixing it, rather than wasting energy being frustrated by it. When any problem arises, turn your attention on the steps to repair it. This wisdom not only works to fix broken stuff, but also to fix something broken in a relationship.
“Love is patient…” 1Cor.13 Conversations Within ts 7/20/
Unfortunately some people have never learned how to deal with depression. This only highlights the value of belonging to a tribe of people who aggressively love one another. Of course, people overcome by depression, may not have learned the value of belonging, which means that we must love them into the tribe, rather than wait for them to join.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good
I am persuaded that the battle for our thoughts will continue till we leave this place. I would prefer not to be discouraged by this, but rather encouraged that the positive energy of God is working grace in me to at least identify a negative thought when it pops up.
“Cast down every imagination and every thought that competes with the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2Cor.
A smile is a contagious kindness. It can shower people with a gentle rain of refreshment, and germinate joy even in the garden of a stranger. We can not only affect others with a smile, we can transform our own radiance. Smile at yourself, and melt that tendency to be so serious. Let it turn away the anger of others, and take the wind out of the sails of your own.
“Let your face smile on us, LORD.”
