I have shared this before, as a new year was starting,but I think it is so true this year, too. (Thank you to Janice Wolf of Rocky Ridge Rescue who has had a very steep, barren path more often than most of us...) Be a Good Thing, that brings hope and strength for somebody, whenever you can this year. Happy 2015! As the new year begins, I would like to share a few thoughts..... Over my years of living in this world, I have come to a realization. It is not necessarily the number or magnitude of bad things in a persons life that does them in, as much as the lack of good things interspersed along the way. We all have our own path to follow - our lifes journey may at times be an easy stroll on level, soft ground, while other times it may be a steep, rocky slope we face. Ideally, we would all have plenty of smooth road to travel, to regain our strength for the hilly times. But, for whatever reason, many of our fellow travellers do not. Some seem born on a slippery slope, and must struggle from the start. Some seem to be on the steep, hard road, due to their own actions or choices. Some seem to be stuck on a mountain, though they try to do everything right. Many who find themselves struggling uphill naturally grow weary with the effort. Some seem to make one step forward and slide two steps back. Some cling to the mountainside while storms lash about them and threaten to break their tenuous hold. Some have all but fallen over the edge of the cliff, having done all they can to stay the course, but unable to meet the challenges they face. So what is the difference that makes one individual keep trying while another gives up and loses all hope? Both having been beaten down by bad things; negative experiences in their lives. The difference is that those that survive and even thrive, have had a good thing come along, a positive force somewhere along the way, that gave them encouragement and strength to hold on. We all can be this good thing for another. Any kindness toward another is a good thing. Like a tree rooted on an otherwise barren spot, it is a beacon of hope, a solid object to grab onto and a place to rest. Some of us are at a stable place in our lives and can be a big, leafy tree for another, bringing shade and shelter from the storms. Many of us have been trekking our own up and down trail, but can still share a branch for another to grasp. For one that is weak from their climb, even the smallest twig can mean the difference. When it grows in a ground of caring and sincererity, it will be strong enough to let them catch their breath and renew their heart for what the future holds. So, at different times in our lives, we must all be a handhold for others. It is not up to us to try to level someones path. Ones particular incline of difficulty in this world is between them and God. But, we surely must look out for each other and be a GOOD THING that brings another soul hope, and strength for the climb. ~Janice~
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 04:11:10 +0000