The Message

For your consideration……

Sometimes it seems like dissention seems to surround us. There is misunderstanding and disagreement. People seem to be going to their corners and digging in. Today’s message talks about making our own message clear. How do we do that? We have to make sure our words, actions and intent are aligned.

I was reminded of a time when my daughter, Alex, was 2 years old. She had wanted this 12″ red 2-wheel boys bike. We got it for her for Christmas. She rode around the basement with the training wheels on until spring. She loved it and we told her what a great job she was doing. Of course, as soon as the weather broke, she wanted to ride it outside…..and she wanted the training wheels off. Dad did not want to take them off. He was afraid she would get hurt. Alex was pretty head strong and stuck her ground and made our life pretty miserable until I finally said, “Just take them off.” Sure enough, she took a tumble on her first try. But she took off on her second.

This simple story is an excellent example of today’s message. We like to think we are good and encouraging parents. For her entire life we have told Alex she could do anything she set out to do. In the above story our intention and words did not match our actions and the conflict started. We had let fear rule our actions.

We are asked to consider the bigger picture. Let’s look at charity and welfare. After all, tis the season. When we give, what are our reasons? Is it to make ourselves feel good or is it to help someone in need? What are our expectations for them?

Many say our welfare system is broke. What is wrong with it? Certainly it is not our intention and responsibility to help the poor. So what is it? Actually it is our intention and responsibility because we are stealing HOPE. When we give a hand out rather than a hand up, we are stealing HOPE. Our lack of expectations, sends the message there is incapability. Everyone has something to offer. Our words, actions and intentions must match if we want to turn the welfare system around.

So it is with all things. When there is discord, disagreement or dysfunction we need to first check the message. Do our words, actions and intent match?

That is the HOPE? And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…..

-Meditate/pray….ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Make your messages….big and small…..clear.

What made me smile yesterday……

-Sunday with Bruce, AJ and Peanut.

-A phone call from Alex…..perfect timing…..we were all here.

-A new recipe off of Facebook for cinnamon bread. We had lots of fun making it.

-A good book.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris