Bring Joy to Others

05Feb
Our days are like the grass; 
we flourish like a flower of the field;

When the wind goes over it, it is gone, 
and its place shall know it no more.

But the merciful goodness of the Lord endures for ever 
on those who fear him, 
and his righteousness on children's children;

On those who keep his covenant 
and remember his commandments and do them.

The Lord has set his throne in heaven, 
and his kingship has dominion over all.
-Psalm 103:15-19


God has given us so many gifts, as we are reminded when we read this Psalm. I am sure anyone can think of multiple gifts God has given them almost immediately. One of the gifts God has given many of us, in particular, is the gift of our parents and family. I am so fortunate to grow up with two loving parents and three siblings. Today is my Mom’s birthday, I am so lucky to have her always, days and readings like this remind me of her as a gift. The Lord truly has satisfied me with good things due to her love and always being a strong Christian role model. Many of us have people in our lives that we look up to for various reasons. I believe God gives us people as gifts to comfort us and encourage us to become closer to Him. By being thankful for all of our blessings, we can be grateful for the life we are given. As one of the lines says “When the wind goes over it, it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.” 


Every struggle and joy is a gift because we get to experience them. The following line also reminds me how our relationship with God is everlasting and we need to put energy and effort into it. A saying that has really stuck with me throughout my life is the end of the Trinity Chapel saying, “Always remember when life presents you with a chance to help, to comfort, to heal, to serve, or to teach, to stand up for what we know is right even when it is hard, do not defer or neglect it, for we may not pass this way again.” I use this as a reminder to take chances and not to deny assistance to others because this might be my best opportunity. Counting our blessings and being open to God's plan in our lives, assists us to be aware and bring joy in to others. 


Musical Reflection - Kind and Honest - Audrey Assad


O heavenly father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

-From the Book of Common Prayer 

GratitudeJoyBlessing

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