By Marie Bombeck I just finished the book Wonder. Let me tell you it tugs at the heartstrings with raw emotion and the honesty of viewing the world through young eyes. The author captures the adolescent view perfectly. Though I know the targeted audience is a younger demographic than myself, I enjoyed the book immensely. The main character August is still has the naïve spirit of a middle schooler, but he is observant and smart. He picks up on things other kids don’t notice. His story is one that reminds you to always be kind. Near the conclusion of the book, the principal says the following quote from a book by J. M. Barrie called The Little White Bird: ‘Shall we make a new rule of life … always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?’ ” The utter simplicity of this quote stuck with me and I feel like it a good philosophy to carry in the heart always. Though some burdens people bear visibly, others are hidden. Those hidden burdens can weigh heavily on the heart. I think recently books about these burdens are having their moments to shine. They help us shine light on issues we may not experience firsthand. We live a world where cruel words are everywhere we turn. People hid behind Twitter handles and Facebook profiles to say words they never would say face to face. And kids will be kids and will be blunt and sometimes cruel. Adults will gossip behind others back and sometimes surpass the cruelty of children. But what if you tell yourself that the cycle stops with you? What if you do as Gandhi says and actually “be the change you wish to see in the world “? What if you be a little kinder than necessary? Imagine how beautiful it could make the world. Imagine how much a wonderful example it could set for the young eyes in our lives. We need to be kind to everyone no matter race, appearance, belief system, past struggles or current issues. We all need to put a bit more kindness into the world. If Jesus is in your heart, follow His word. Do unto others as you do unto yourself. There is so many countless word of wisdom to remind us of this. But we need to practice what we preach. Can you put your actions where your mouth is? Are you brave enough to be kind?
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” By Marie Bombeck
Going back to church may have been one of the toughest decisions my husband and I have ever made. I was raised Methodist. He was Lutheran. We haven’t been able to decide where to go to church. We both believe. I have not stepped away from Jesus. I still believe he is my savior but the hectic schedule of college and then crazy schedules we kept our first two years of marriage made us put making a decision on which church to attend on the back burner. Then we have also just been lazy and enjoyed sleeping in on Sundays, to noon or later. We relished the last day before going back to the work week. But not any more, we need to make practicing our faith more of a priority. So we are going to churches to learn what a good fit to the both of us is. A few weeks ago, I realized I have never attended a different church without it being another family member’s church or going with a friend or my parents by my side. But, when my husband and I walked into a new unfamiliar church and slid into the back row, I realized how strange it was to be a stranger in a church. But then a thought swept over me, I wasn’t a stranger at all. I was standing worshiping the same God that has been in my heart since I was a little girl. Sure it may be a different setting, but I heard the word from the same Bible I would read, whether it was Methodist or Lutheran. I even sang familiar hymns. Sitting in that unfamiliar pew, there was my old friend Jesus telling me to come to him. I know this Jesus. I know my God. It doesn’t matter the four walls that surround me or the church we chose to go to. What matters is that I go and talk to my old friend whom I have known my whole life. It doesn't really matter to what church you go to. In the end, go to a church were good is. |
Marie BombeckSharing thoughts and stories that we all probably have had. Archives
September 2018
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