It Takes Two

It Takes Two
I've loved seeing this framed photo in the guest house every day since I've been here. Those are my two youngest grandsons -- Brennan & Bryson. I've especially relished the beautiful landscape and the rare "brotherly love" moment. Not rare in the sense that they really love each other, but they are, after all, two normal boys that can easily get on each other's nerves. But when push comes to shove, those two would be there for each other. No question. This picture is a perfect backdrop for this "It takes two" scripture.

We all know some not-so-fun-to-be-around folks. Case in point -- there was a guy that I knew, bless his heart, that had a propensity toward negativity. Honestly, at one time, I avoided him every chance I could, because he was "wah wah Debbie Downer" most of the time. Trying to "light up his life" was a work-out. Then one day, I went in for the jugular and said, "Do you realize how pessimistic you can be when there's just so much to be thankful about? Don't you know that we can make this world a better place by having good thoughts and saying good things?" There, I said it and I was waiting to get an ear-full, but to my surprise and delight, he recoiled and proceeded to apologize to me and, word has it, that he has become a better version of himself. Rather than avoiding him, he just needed someone to tenderly help him see who he had become, and help him see who he could be.

Bottom line, each of us can be better because of someone else's influence. God purposefully created each of us with special gifts and insights. He made each of us with a need for each other. Despite our many differences, just look at what we have in common:

Each of us is God's child.
Each of us wants to love and be loved.
Each of us is made in the image of God.
Each of us has needs — body, soul and spirit.
Each of us has hopes and dreams.
Each of us has talents and gifts.
Each of us has joys and sorrows.
Each of us is a work in progress. (Please be patient with me -- God's not finished with me yet!)

Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 "Two are better than one...If one falls down, his friend can help him up."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."

Seriously, God intended us to truly be “better together.” We have to care for each other and look at the whole (instead of just ourselves). We have to reach out to those in need and love them — with our words, our time, and our resources.

Instead of walking on the other side of the street or avoiding those cranky souls, just maybe God will use us to help them. We are not meant to be alone. We need each other. No one is better than another. Truly, we are better together.

Two Are Better Than One

My photo inspiration today is my two youngest grandsons -- Brennan & Bryson. I knew someday I'd get a caption for it. Today is that day.

"You mean the world to me and my life just wouldn't be the same without you." How's that for expressing gratitude for someone in our life?

We all know some not-so-fun-to-be-around folks. Case in point -- there's an guy that I frequently encounter, and, bless his heart, he has a propensity toward negativity. Honestly, at one time, I avoided him every chance I could, because he was "wah wah Debbie Downer" most of the time. Trying to "light up his life" was a work-out. Then one day, I went in for the jugular and said, "Do you realize how pessimistic you can be when there's just so much to be thankful about? Don't you know that we can make this world a better place by having good thoughts and saying good things?" There, I said it and I was waiting to get an ear-full, but to my surprise and delight, he recoiled and proceeded to apologize to me and, word has it, that he has become a better version of himself. Rather than avoiding him, he just needed someone to tenderly help him see who he had become, and help him see who he could be.

Bottom line, each of us can be better because of someone else's influence. God purposefully created each of us with special gifts and insights. He made each of us with a need for each other. Despite our many differences, just look at what we have in common:

Each of us is God's child.
Each of us wants to love and be loved.
Each of us is made in the image of God.
Each of us has needs — body, soul and spirit.
Each of us has hopes and dreams
Each of us has talents and gifts.
Each of us has joys and sorrows.
Each of us is a work in progress. (Please be patient with me -- God's not finished with me yet!)

Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 "Two are better than one...If one falls down, his friend can help him up."

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."

Seriously, God intended us to truly be “better together.” We have to care for each other and look at the whole (instead of just ourselves). We have to reach out to those in need and love them — with our words, our time, and our resources.

Instead of walking on the other side of the street or avoiding those cranky souls, just maybe God will use us to help them. We are not meant to be alone. We need each other. No one is better than another. Truly, we are better together.

Affirmative & Positive OR Negative & Pessimistic

Last week, a friend's FB post reminded me of how important it is to speak affirming and encouraging words to our children and grandchildren.  And, it shouldn't stop there -- speaking optimistic and uplifting words to everyone around us has the potential to change the course of someone's day, even their life.

Lots of wisdom here from my friend, Dan Lillpop​, in his recent post:
"This morning, as is often the case, I was feeling a bit reflective. I thought about how often we, as parents, "prophesied" to our children when they were growing up. We would say things like: 'You're going to fall!'  'You're gonna' get sick!'  'You'll miss your bus!'  'You're going to get into trouble!'

I am sure you can think of many others, but the point is, we could have, and should have, done so much better. Not that there are not times when we should have made such statements, but we should also have included such statements as: 'You're going to make it!'  'You can do it!'  'I believe in you!' 'You are special!' 'You have what it takes!' 'You're perfect just the way you are.'

My 3 boys are all grown now, and I can't go back and change how I spoke to them, but I can encourage my grandchildren into greatness, by helping them to unpack all of their potential. I want to be a spark that ignites a great passion in their lives.  As a grandpa, I'm still going to "prophesy", but now I want to prophesy success and good things. I want to help my grandchildren to become the best people they can be!  And hey! I want to also speak good things to my sons,  and for that matter, to all with whom I come into contact.  Let's "prophesy" some good stuff today!"

Honestly, Dan spoke my heart in his words. The simplest things we might say and do, which, though seemingly ordinary, carry an immense weight in telling our children they are loved, cared for, and valued.  Do you remember those childhood experiences when you sensed the approval of a parent, a teacher or loved one?  The ultimate Father figure we have is Father God, and it would behoove us to follow His example in affirming our children and others.  Take a look at the example He sets from His Word.  He gives...

An arm over the shoulder or an embrace in a time of disappointment or fear (see Deuteronomy 33:27)

A pat on the back or a firm steadying hand at a crucial moment (see Psalm 139:5)

A whisper in the ear, giving quiet assurance or secret instructions (see Isaiah 30:21)

A snug tucking in bed when surrounded by the darkness of night (see Psalm 127:2-3)

But the most affirming are those blessings that come in our words: words that affirm and approve; words that commend and compliment;  words that specifically speak love and affection; words that invoke hope and self-confidence; and  words that answer pain and disappointment with support and faith.

May our words and actions bring light and life to our family and our world today.