The LORD gives
and the LORD takes away,
that is part of life
we must all deal with
whether by separation or death.
It’s interesting that
we have wrestled with
why bad things happen
to good people,
but one of the things
that that can keep our focus
intact is the understanding
that all of life
is a gift from God.
The question is not
why bad things happen,
it’s really why
good things happen at all!
We know that there are things
that are good and beautiful,
but many times that beauty
isn’t realized until
it’s taken away.
But this reminds us
that even when life seems
to disappear in the dust,
that death is a signpost
toward the One who loves
His creation so much
He will reclaim it.
For those who follow HIM,
there will come a day when
God will summon our last breath,
and we will be in Heaven,
there will be no more separations
and no more darkness or nights.
Too often, we don’t realize
what we have until it is gone.
Too often, we wait too late to say,
“I’m sorry – I was wrong.”
Sometimes, it seems we hurt the ones
we hold dearest to our hearts
And we allow foolish thing
to tear our lives apart.
Far too many times we let
unimportant things into our minds
And then it’s usually too late
to see what made us blind.
So be sure to let people know
how much they mean to you.
Take that time to say the words
before your time is through.
Be sure that you appreciate
everything you’ve got
And be thankful for the Little Things
in life that mean a lot.
~Author Unknown~
Part of the Song: from a group called Cinderella, is written here...
Don't know what you got
till it's gone no
Don't know what it is
I did so wrong
Now I know what I got
It's just this song
And it ain't easy to get back
Takes so long
We ought to even love your enemies, bless them who curse us, do good to them, and pray for their souls.
Do you have someone who has a grudge against you?
Do you have someone who not only hurt you,
but has also set out to ruin you
- your reputation, your relationships, not to mention your resources?
I have had people in my life that I would put in that category, though for obvious reasons I will not talk about them for fear they might read this and be hurt.
So, how do you handle such bullies, such enemies, such ruinous people? Love them! Love them? I ask myself how in the world can I love them?
Well, first of all, we can't. That requires supernatural strength, the supernatural strength of God to give you a new heart for them - a heart that will forgive them, a heart that can see into their wounded heart (for only wounded and troubled, damaged hearts hurt intentionally), and a heart that can love them...anyway.
I can share with you that it is possible to love enemies. It is possible to love those who have hurt us. Sometimes, belatedly - I had already lashed out in anger or pulled away. In those cases, I had to go back and apologize. But I have found that praying the following prayer can change my heart toward those who have hurt me:
"Lord, bless ______!" The first time I prayed this prayer for an enemy, I was stunned by this thought: If God blesses this person, indeed, they will then become happier, nicer, and maybe changed from an enemy to a friend!
I do not have the strength to love my enemies but God supplies it. I CAN love them if I let God love them through me. May I have His eyes to see them as HIS creation. Bless them, Lord! Amen.