Explaining, Pleasing, and Comparing Could Be An Endless Cycle, If We Allow It.

Do you have a hard time explaining your feelings? What you're going through? What questions or prayers you need answered? For example, why do we feel the need to "always" explain ourselves to others? Is it cause we are afraid of letting someone down? Or rejection? Or not feel accepted? Maybe we feel like we are not living up to the potential of other people's expectations of how we should be! How we should look! How we should act! How we should deal with situations or individuals, when the time should arise! Maybe it was engraved in our heads at an early age to please our parents, grandparents, teachers etc... There is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, wanting to "please" is a very normal feeling. Pleasing and Explaining are two different things though. And the two usually get innertwined if we are not careful, and could possibly be taken the wrong way. Thus bringing unwanted situations to deal with in our lives. However, the fact is we all come from different walks of life. We all have different childhoods, different dreams, different goals, different spouses/significant others, different faiths etc. So not all of the decisions we make in our lives are going to make sense to the next person. That is where the attribute of respect comes into play. Respect is when you show good manners, pay attention; treat others as you would like to be treated. Respect is also "earned", not demanded. This is also where judgement comes into play. Let's leave that job to God. After all, He is the one who makes the final judgement decision. Remember, what might work for you, may not work for someone else. For instance, being there for others! Sometimes in my personal life, there are things I have to consider first, that maybe you do not even have to think twice about. And that's ok. We have different bodies. We have different limits. It doesn't make me any better than you, or you better than me. If anything, it should make us MORE humble, more meak, more sensitive to others' and their needs. There are times with my health, I am not able to get out as much as I would like to and visit hospitals, nursing homes, or people's homes who are sick or grieving over a loss. I'm not always able to be involved in every single thing with my family, friends, or church. Then one day, God gave me a glimpse of the role I would play. He gave me a unique job. He showed me, I could still be a TOOL and Glorify Him for others who need help. I can call. I can text. I can e-mail. I can make (my crazy) videos. I can invite them over for coffee. I can be a Prayer Partner. I can be a Prayer Warrior. God has a 'job' for each of us. Not one is the same as the other. So let's embrace our gifts and jobs He has given us. If you are one who has endless energy like the energizer bunny, then; * Embrace it! * Use it! * Give it all you got! * Thank the Lord every day for your ableness and willingness to do the "physical" job He needs done. If you are one who struggles with health issues, and are not able to do the "physical" job, then leave it to those who can. God has a job for you! * Makes those phone calls. * Write a text or e-mail. * Send a card or gift. * Make someone LAUGH (laughter really is the best medicine). Let's not compare our gifts and abilities to one another. Let's encourage and help one another succeed in our own role God has for us. It is my pray if we do this, we will see more revival, more lost souls saved, more happiness, more love, more peace.... MORE of Jesus shining through this dark world. Bind us together in Unity Dear Jesus, Amen~