My inspiration today is from a pilot series that aired last night on television called, "Touch." Normally I wouldn't use my website for advertising a television program, but this particular show is very different and struck a cord with me. The dad is played by Kiefer Sutherland, who has a son that appears to have autism. The message I heard after watching this pilot was how we are all connected in some way throughout the world, nothing is by chance, and to what length would you go to help another human being? Although some of the events seemed quite inflated and not possible; I tried to keep an open mind, and I asked myself how this pertained to my own life. Am I doing enough or noticing the messages that are put before me each and every day? The first episode after this pilot will not be aired until March 19th on the Fox network. Try to Google: "Touch" on the Fox network and take a peek. It's a drama, and at the very least something quite different than the usual.
When the loss of a dear loved one has invaded your life, many of us consider our own lives and where we need to be. If we've learned any lesson in death around us, it's to take a life inventory and adjust our own values perhaps, taking into account what really matters in life. In the days, weeks and years since my parents' passing, my values have taken root, and I knew from early on that family, faith and love were more important than anything tangible in this world. It is clear to me now that I was never influenced strongly by a certain career. I knew that life could change in a moment's notice, so being constantly centered on a career did not consume my life; rather, knowing I needed to support myself did.
While I give thanks to God for my husband, our home, the food on our table, our clothes and a secure job that helps us live where we do; I realize it is a blessing and not a given. I look around at all the material needs some folks have with this wavering economy, and I bow down before the Great One because not all are as fortunate as myself. I don't have a mansion or fancy cars, but I have a warm, comfortable home with flourishing schools, a Leave It to Beaver type neighborhood and a vehicle that gets me to where I need to be (most days). My closet isn't filled with designer clothes or upscale shoes, but the clothes I wear serve their purpose, protect me and have a sense of style at times. There isn't a vacation home awaiting us whenever we feel the need to getaway, but we have had the privilege of taking relaxing vacations that the kids will cherish forever. My jewels are few, but I have many keepsakes that hold priceless value because of the loved ones who gave them to me. When I look at all the blessings given to me, I take pause as should most of us. Many of us have these things that may not be worth a great deal on the market, but they are keepsakes in our heart and we have material items that help us freely navigate throughout the day than most do in the world.
So the ultimate question I have asked myself for many years is "Am I where I need to be?" Am I doing the work in this world that I was meant to do? Is this God's plan for my life? Do I notice those in need and take action? Do I tithe and give where I am financially able? Am I using the gifts that I was given to help my fellow man? Are you where you need to be? If you met God tomorrow, would you be able to share with him your total devotion to Him?
If you happen to know of a death in a family or an unforseen tragedy, take notice, especially to those people who are friends or neighbors. Maybe your gift is writing so send a note or card telling that person that you are thinking of them. For all you talkers out there, make a phone call and say, "I'm thinking about you, how are you today?" Some of you may be decent at cooking or baking, then prepare a meal or dessert. Perhaps some of you are more financially able to give, then send a gift card that could be used at a later time or make a donation to your favorite charity in their loved one's name. Some of us might be better at prayer then PRAY, but let that person know through a phone call or card that you are doing that. Genuine sincerity is key, but if you're still at a loss about what to do then talk with a friend or your spouse and ask for their input. Chances are someone you know has experienced loss or illness in a family and they could offer suggestions. The bottom line is this: ask yourself if you're doing enough in helping mankind, with helping a family member or helping a friend. Don't let time pass you by, touch another by lending a helping hand, offering words of support........pay it forward.
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