Quote of the Day

“Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Writer (1749 – 1832)

Running On Empty

Running On Empty

The whole world paused this morning.
Do you know why? Because an 8 year old’s tank was empty.
The boys had already started their school day at their desks and I was preparing to leave for work when I noticed my littlest standing in the bathroom wiping his face.
I paused at the door and asked if he was okay. He looked up with tears silently dripping and shook his head. When I questioned if something happened, again he shook his head.
So I sat on the side of the tub and pulled him in my lap. I told him sometimes our heart tanks feel empty and need to be refilled.
He cried into my chest and I held tight.
I asked if he could feel my love filling him up?
A nod, and tears stopped…
I waited a minute…
‘Has it reached your toes yet?’
He shook his head no…
‘Okay man. We will take as long as you need. Work doesn’t matter right now. School isn’t important either. This right here, is the most important thing today, okay? Filling you back to the top. Is that good?’
*nods*
One more minute…
‘Is your heart full of mamas love now?’
‘Yeah…’
*looks in his eyes* I see it shining in there, you’re full to the top, and you’re smiling!
Y’all. You may not be 8- you may be 28, 38, 48 or whatever- but ALL of us run on empty just like he did. His weekend was so busy and so full and his little soul was just dry!!!
We all have to pause, and take a moment to refill with the good things. Scripture, prayer, sunshine, worship, song, laughter, friends, hugs. Refill your empty, or you’ll find those emotions (tears, anger, snappy words) overflowing with no reason why.
Take a moment. Refill. It’s the most important part of your day!

Cody Bret On Love

Cody Bret On Love

I Hope You Find A Love That…

This is not only what to look for but also the beingness to aspire to.

I hope you find this.

I hope you find the type of love where there aren’t any mixed signals, just you and your significant other looking at each other across the room and as soon as your eyes meet you can’t stop smiling.
I hope you find a love that’s selfless. The type of person who would do anything for you with no questions asked.
The type of love where someone simply has your best interest at heart.
The type of love where your happiness makes up so much of their own.
I hope you find a love that’s willing to make sacrifices. The type of person who will meet you halfway.
I hope you find a love that’s faithful. Every time you look at them, you know there isn’t anyone that can shake what you two have together.
I hope you find a love that forgives you. The type of person who can see you make mistakes but also helps you to learn from them.
The type of person who can see you at your worst and still think you’re irreplaceable.
The type of person who understands you will never be perfect, but looks at you like you’re the greatest thing that’s ever came into their life.
I hope you find a love that supports you. Someone who not only supports your dreams but wants to see you succeed in all aspects of life.
I hope you find a love that will fight for you. Someone who will always be in your corner.
Someone who will continue choosing you on a daily basis.
I hope you find someone who shows you effort with each day that passes.
The type of person who won’t let you walk away but goes after you if you try to.
I hope you find someone who heals you. I hope you find someone who teaches you that you didn’t deserve what happened to you in the past. I hope you find a love that appreciates you.
I hope you find the type of love that never stops saying thank you. The type of love that even after a long time they are still impressed by what you do for them.
Someone who truly values you for who you are as a person.
I hope you find a love that’s your best friend. Your loudest laugh. Your biggest smile. Your number one fan and your happiest memories.
Because you deserve it.
~ Cody Bret

Another post about strangers – and the elderly

Linda Paice writes:

I thought of this as I was driving home just now and saw an old man walking slowly along the street, then he turned around and started shuffling the other way. I was worried he was confused and lost, so I pulled over and observed him.

After a minute, it looked like he was just exercising as he was going up and down the block, but I wanted to make sure so I drove around to the other side of the road and through my window asked cheerfully if he was exercising. (Cheerfully as I didn’t want to possibly make him feel strange about being checked on due to being old!)

He instantly smiled a warm, friendly smile and walked straight over to my car and said yes he has a heart condition and the doctor said he has to exercise. We launched straight into a great chat, him asking if I live in the neighborhood, proudly pointing out his pretty house, me asking where he was from and that kind of thing. It was so sweet!

As I drove away I was thinking of how he instantly engaged and went from looking somewhat forlorn to so bright and happy to be connecting. I’ve seen this so many times with elderly people. It breaks my heart to think of how overlooked and neglected they can be within society. We’re all busy and rushing about, it’s easy to pass by without considering that, but many old people are desperately lonely.

So, I thought I would post this should it inspire someone to reach out to an elderly stranger or an elderly person they know. Whether it’s a longer visit or just a quick chat – sometimes, if there’s no chance to stop, even eye contact and a warm smile visibly makes a world of difference.

And to be clear, the joy is not one-sided! Old people are the best! So wise, such incredible experiences and stories, and those beautiful old school manners and values. They just melt my heart!

So I’m sending some love out to them!