Let's Be Kindness Junkies

A "junkie" is someone consumed by an addiction. What a difference it would make if we were all addicted to being kind -- just can't help ourselves. It's who we are and what we do. A few days ago I told the story of our helping a lady whose keys were locked in her car and her cell phone was dead. She was so relieved when we showed up to help her. But, what if we had parked in another location or what if we were so into ourselves in conversation that we didn’t even notice her?

I believe we are all God’s messengers on assignment when we leave our homes (or even in our homes when we sense a nudge to encourage a family member or call someone to encourage them). Most of the time, kindness always begins with our eyes — the way we observe the world and are sensitive to the needs of other people.

That's what I caught when reading about the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33: “When HE SAW the man’s condition, his heart was filled with pity”. Notice that “he saw.” That's our starting point. If we want to learn to be a kinder person, our world view must change to being an observer of the needs around us. When we're in a hurry -- kindness opportunities evade us. If we're wanting to be a "kindness junkie", then we must slow down! Distractions are the death of kindness.

1 Corinthians 10:24 says “Look out for the good of others”. The first step to kindness is to ask God to give us a sensitive, spiritual radar to be on the lookout for people around us who are hurting emotionally, spiritually, and physically. To be on high alert for the opportunity to spread a little kindness with our words and our actions.

I'm determined to be a kindness junkie. I want to be aware of those who need kindness ministered to them. I want a bumper crop of kindness to harvest. It’s not always easy to see the needs of other people, especially when they’re on the other side of the road. But it’s the starting point of kindness. Maybe it’s time to slow down and even stop to smell the roses because the roses we smell, might be someone who needs Jesus in human flesh.

It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World Out There

That phrase is used to describe a situation in which people will do anything to be successful, even if what they do harms other people. We don't have to look far to see that phrase a reality. No matter the business or profession, it's clear that phrase is true.
But, how much more beneficial it is to be in a “Dog-Love-Dog” World – both in the canine species and the human species.

Who would have thought that some of my best “pals” these days are dogs. It comes with my territory and my family. There’s my grand-dogs: Buddy, the 75-pound Australian Shepherd and Emma, the 4-pound Yorkie, who, I happen to be their caregiver right now while their family is out of town. I get a kick out of throwing the ball to Buddy (with a ball-thrower or else slimy-ball would be the case) and he retrieves it often in one catch in the air. As soon as I walk in the door, he runs to the backdoor for our “play ball” time. Little Emma, who often seems the alpha-dog of the pair, incessantly yaps at me wanting her time with me. There’s Bentley, a 25-pound Havanese who belongs to my Austin family. I also have another grand-dog, rock-solid and gentle, 79-pound bulldog, Athena, belonging to Braden and Ruth. I smile as I write this post because I’m not what you would consider a dog-lover. I profess to be a dog-liker because they ALL belong to those people-lovers in my life.

I think God must have a special love and delight for those who care for his creation. Jesus seemed to be enamored by animals as He often referred to them as a source of praise to God and revelation of the nature of faith, humility and peace. When we see Jesus’ interactions with creatures, we can better understand how we are called to relate to other creatures.

We’ve all heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I never thought that the roles could be reversed and that my grand-dogs could teach ME some life-lessons in turning this world into a dog-love-dog world:

Lesson 1: Restrictions are Good. Once all these grand-dogs were kennel trained – it was a great option when the families were away or night-time sleeping. Believe me – we knew the damage done when my “young” daughter’s dog, Desi, was left behind, free in the house. She had separation anxiety and tore our door-blinds to shreds. Now, all my grand-dogs are more “mature” and it's "open to roam" home policy. But, like the restrictions placed on our furry friends, we, too, need restrictions that hold us to safe and peaceful living. Thank God for the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ new commandments “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind….and your neighbor as yourself.” Those aren’t restrictions – they are freedom to love and be loved. What “dog” doesn’t want that?

Lesson 2 -- Bond with Others – When I lived a few months with my Frisco family, I would take Buddy for a morning walk. We would encounter dogs in fenced yards, barking like crazy and defending their territory. Buddy was leash trained, so he would look at them like “What is your problem?” I think, if he could talk, he’d tell those dogs “Let’s make love – not war!” As busy adults, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, forgetting to make time for loved ones. Interaction with others can be a much-needed source of joy. We don't have to go it alone. Reaching out to a friend, or making a new friend, can truly make a difference in that other person’s life. And, spending time with others can be the first step on the path to making a difference in our lives.

Lesson 3: Run to Greet Those You Love; Hang Out with Those You Love -- There is something wonderful about coming home to those dogs so excited to see us. As soon as Buddy and Emma hear my car-door slam, they are at the front door barking and welcoming me home. Even sitting down, they just have to nudge in as close as they can to us. So why don’t we do this for each other? Appreciating the people we love and care about isn’t just something we feel, it’s also something we do. And what better way to show someone you care than by greeting them with a big hug or a kiss when they arrive home? And, what better way to show our love to someone, by getting as close as we can to them when we’re watching TV or just sitting down to relax. As adults, it’s easy to take our relationships for granted. But dogs know that every time you see someone you love can be just as exciting as the first. Remembering this can only strengthen our relationships.

Lesson 4: Live in the Moment -- Dogs don’t have some big master plan. They aren’t worried about the past, and aren’t terrified of the future. They live right here in the present moment. What a truly a joyous and positive way of living our life! Stop to smell the roses. Breathe in the fresh air. Put our phone down and fully experience where we are. Maybe we should stick our heads out the car window with the wind blowing in our faces to remind us to live in the present.

Thanks to our great Creator for creating some of our best friends and teachers and if we'd live in gratitude and love like them, then, for sure it would be a dog-love-dog world!

Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound. After a beautiful Sunday brunch with the bride and groom, and the rest of the out-of-towners, we gave all our hugs and best wishes and we were then headed out in the Motorcoach again for our return trip to Frisco.

I just had to post this sweet photo of Braden carrying Ruth across their home's threshold today. It sure made my day. Sweet newlyweds starting their lives together, ever after. They leave on their honeymoon tomorrow.

This has been such a great few days both in this motorcoach and all the excitement that surrounded the wedding.

Now, the homeward journey. Yes, it's a journey that we embrace, not simply a destination. On this Motorcoach, it's easy to say that. Tensions are minimal - - especially since we all have our spots. Payton and Alexia have their bunk areas, all private, curtained with built in TVs. I enjoy the dining area where I can study, play cards. We can take turns going to the back of the coach to the cozy bedroom to take naps or watch a movie. Bless Larry's heart, he drives all the way. Well we'll be stopping for a few hours to rest tonight.

We couldn't just drive back to Frisco directly without a stop for family and adventuring fun at Dunn's Falls with 65 foot waterfalls, a historical site grist mill and fun hiking locations. Another stop was Jackson, Mississippi for Staci's Sunday Night Live Facebook feed. The kids enjoyed walks around the Capitol Buildings. We'll get back to Frisco in the morning and we'll close the chapter on Braden and Ruth's wedding weekend and the adventures that went along with it.

We have a choice in life -- to live in the fast lane where we get to our destination in lickety-split time or we can embrace the journey along the way. I love, love, love embracing and really experiencing the journey.

I loved it when we got back from the falls, and to the motor coach and Alexia turned the coach into a facial and makeup salon for her mom. Oh the joys this family brings me. What a blessing to be in this sweet season of life. Smelling the roses along the way sure makes for sweet aromas of thanksgiving and gratitude that blesses this heart of mine.

Joy of Life Bandwagon

I'm still on the joy-of-life bandwagon to help others (those who get all caught up in the seriousness and practical demands of life) get back the joy of life.They get focused on making a living and they succumb to everyday routine. They forget the child within them and they lose a lot of the flavor and spice of life. They don’t stop to smell the roses, to be struck with wonder anymore, like they did as children.

And, then there are those of us who NEVER forget, who keep that youthful pleasure and joy of life alive throughout the entire length of their lives. I'm purposing to be one of those. I love being silly with my grandkids. I love belly laughing with them. I love going to movies with them, swimming with them, fishing with them, playing badminton with them, racing them to see who can win (once upon a time, I let them win -- not any more -- but I at least put forth the effort - LOL).

And, I love being a part of a community that feels the way I do. We play pickleball, tennis, we run, walk, and work out regularly. We take great joy in play. Yes, that’s right. We still play with the gusto that is most natural to kids. Play is purposeful. Its end is joy. We are showing others a clear wisdom about life. We love life and the gift of joy that is possible to have. Life is a gift to be celebrated.

And, here's the truth of the matter -- none of us are free from life’s tragedies, pressures, or even suffering. We have known the sorrow of loss, the fears and challenges of illness, but none of this has crushed our child-like playfulness. We are proving that true happiness can even be experienced in the midst of life’s challenges.

We are showing how to be more like the “little children” that Jesus said we must be more like in order to enter the Kingdom of God. I think if you watch us, and listen to our words and attitudes, you just may learn something about how to live life fully, with great joy and gusto, too! Ready to get on the joy-of-life bandwagon with me?