As I sit at the air port waiting for my flight a million things fly
through my mind. I guess it is true that when you take time to rest
relax and smell the roses it refreshes your mind and clears up all the
junk you've allowed to clutter your brain and the creative juices start
to flow.
First of all I want to reflect on benefits of being loved
unconditionally. Coming from a position a leadership where everyone is a
critic it always takes me off guard when I'm in an environment when I
can just relax and be myself. So I just want to say a big thank you to
my parents and my siblings for loving me just the way I am. Someone once
told me that when you love someone even their idiosyncrasies are
endearing. We all need to be loved.
I've been reading the book DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF . . . and it's all
small stuff by Richard Carlson. As I jump from chapter to chapter some words keep
reappearing; inner peace, well being, sense of gratitude etc. His focus
is not on what we accomplish but on who we are; on others rather than
ourselves; and on being kind vs. right.
Although he never mentions God or the Bible I sense that Jesus would be
saying "amen" to much of what he says. Here are some scriptures that
come to my mind.
Consider the lilies of the field, . . . If God so clothes the grass of the field, . . . will he not much more clothe you. . . Therefore do not be anxious . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6: 28-34) In other words, don't worry, do what is right and God will take care of you.
Be kind one to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. (Ephesians 4:32) In other words, Being kind is better than being right!
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4) In other words, don't always think about what you want or like, but think about what is best for others.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8) In other words, stay connected to God through prayer.
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Luke 6:42) In other words, when you stand before God, you will only have to account for yourself, so don't worry about others.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6) In other words, finds things to thank God for and express that to others. And if you have a need or desire - Talk to God.
As I close this blog, I just want to encourage you, as I encourage myself, to STOP Sweating the Small Stuff; focus on God and the many blessing he has given us and be Thankful.
