[su_dropcap style=”flat”]H[/su_dropcap]AVE YOU HEARD the phrase, “walk a mile in my shoes”? I can tell you, the thought of walking in others shoes it is not easy. I continually make it a point each and every day not to judge people as a whole, but what I find myself doing is asking, “Why Would Someone Do That!
I realize that every living soul in this world is not a believer in Christ, and I realize too, that only they can choose as to how they live their life.
Isaiah 38:1 states: “Take orders with thy house: for thou shalt die, and no live”
What I am getting at dear reader is that we all shall die someday. Weather we do so in time according to God ‘s Will, or we hurry it along by doing something to hurry death i.e.; drug overdose, alcoholism, driving faster than we should, taking chances, challenging ones ability with Mother Nature, what ever it is, we will all die some day.
“What about a Negligent Christian Who Has Thought Little of Death.”
St. Alphonsus Liguori makes many points concerning this,) in his writings called “Preparation For Death” I ‘d like to share with you for one reason and one reason only; and that is that I pray for the salvation of all living souls, that they do not leave this world thinking that this life was all that there was….
“Imagine yourself with a sick person who has only a few hours to live. Poor sufferer I behold how he is oppressed with pains, fainting’s, suffocations, want of breath, cold sweats, and weakness of head, to such a degree that he can hardly hear, understand, or speak. Amongst his miseries the greatest is, that death approaches and instead of thinking of his soul, and preparing himself for eternity, he only thinks of physicians, and remedies to free him from the ailments and pains that are killing him. They are unable to have any other thought than that of them selves “ says St. Laurence Justinian, speaking of such deaths. If, at least his relations and friends forewarned the dying man of his danger, but no, there is not one amongst them all who has the courage to announce to him his approaching end, and to advise him to receive the last sacraments; everyone refuses to tell him for fear of vexing him.
Sir, your illness is mortal; you must receive the sacraments, make your peace with God, and bid farewell to the world. Bid farewell to the world? What! Must I bid farewell to all? ;To that house, to that villa, those relations and friends, conversations, games, amusements? Yes, to all. What does this soul carry with him going out of this world? A miserable rag, which will soon rot with him in the grave.”
(Quotes from the book “Preparation for Death” by St. Alphonsus Liguori.
What I am saying dearest readers as I write this is that death will come, but before then, we can live happily according to our state in life. With family, to love them for who they are, and you can love them without pouring all that you have into them for those who have no desire to treat you well, to enjoy your friends and take life a little slower. Do not be so wrapped up in riches, material things, because those things will never follow you once you leave this world. You come into this world with nothing, and you go out with nothing. God wants us to be happy and enjoy the gifts that HE gives us. He wants us to use them wisely, but more importantly to be thankful.
So even though one does not believe in our creator, Jesus Christ, know that this life will someday end. Try to be happy each and every day. When your days are cloudy with dark skies, think of the gifts that you have. Your health, your eyesight, your ability to drive, your ability to walk, all are gifts.
I once was at a very low place in my life in my early 40’s. Although I had a career in the field of Law Enforcement, I was struggling with family issues. I just wanted to give up, quit, not really caring, but God allowed me time to view that which I had that was good, and the beauty of everything around me.
There is so much evil in this world, trying to understand it all is overwhelming, but what is important is that there is still a lot of good and joy waiting for those who look at the glass half full instead of half empty.
I spend my days without notice, counseling many friends and married couples in ways that will open their hearts and minds to see what joy is right there in front of them. I am well aware that there are many who suffer mental illness and cannot reach their plateau of peace, but even they have someone who will receive them with open arms when their days here are done. We all want that. May your days be blessed with joy, love and compassion for yourself and others, but don’t make this world the God of your life, it too shall pass……
Jane ( glad to have you as a friend) and Danny, your hearts are what has made you successful. In life if you look at those that can get through the storms in Life and yet have time to share with others their hearts, says so much. I love reading all the post of these many contributors on this website and see how Life’s Expereince as their Teacher, among many other things and God is at the Helm even though our views are different. God Bless and thank you.
Lynn, how blessed I am to call you friend and spiritual sister. Your compassion and love for God, speaks to my heart. Your testimony reminds me of this quote I posted above my computer at work. “Live your life in such a way that those who don’t know God will want to know him because they know you.” Lynn, you and Danny inspire me with your stories. You’ve both witnessed the good, the ugly, and the worst examples of life yet you press on and share your joy so others can have it too.Life is tough, pray hard.
Well put my sister-in-Christ! I believe that after our past careers in law enforcement make us very sensitive to just how fragile our lives are on this earth. Scripture advises us to set our hearts on the things above and not on the things below. Salvation is a free gift offered to all of us by our Savior – we just have to accept it!
Great testimony Lynn – you definitely show your servant’s heart!