Daily Stop & Thinks

The miracle isn’t that I finished. It’s that I had the courage to start. (John Bingham, Marathon Runner)

Most people look at marathon runners with admiration and, maybe, a little envy. Don’t we all wish that we could compete well in such a race? But, wishing doesn’t make it happen, and you can’t finish a race you haven’t started. Of course, there’s a great deal of preparation and training that’s needed, too. So, whatever the project, let’s set our goal and get started!

Now begin the work, and the Lord be with you (1 Chronicles 22:16).

The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. (Coco Chanel, late French fashion designer)

Speaking your own mind can be scary. The pressure of strong influence from the media or out-spoken friends might intimidate us so that we are fearful to say what we believe. Whether it’s politics, sports, or religion, to say what we really think often takes a good bit of courage. In an open and free society, we must develop a backbone to stand up for what we believe.

Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. (Jeremiah 1:17).

All who would win joy must share it; happiness was born a twin. (Lord Byron, 18^th & 19^th century English poet)

A truly happy person—one whose joy is constant and obvious—is a person whose company is enjoyed and whose attitude is contagious. Byron is suggesting that joy must be shared. You can’t keep it to yourself. Such happiness is greatly needed in our rush-rush society where there doesn’t seem to be time to make lasting friends. Slow down and share your joy!

I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy (2 Corinthians 2:3).

It is not what you are that counts but only what people think you are. (Joseph Kennedy, late ambassador to Britain and father of President John F. Kennedy)

Kennedy’s statement is subject to two widely different understandings. It may be true that, regardless of who you think you are or what you have done, the reality might be that people will see you as something quite different. On the other hand, it really makes little difference what others think. Your character and integrity determine who you really are.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely. . . . The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. (Proverbs 10:9; 11:13)

In today’s society, tolerance is a common theme. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and misused. (Jesse Deloe, writer and editor)

The dictionary: tolerance is “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.” Americans have often shown amazing tolerance, but today’s society seems to have limited it, making political correctness the standard and excluding any who dissent from their positions. But, to all, we should demonstrate openness of mind.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something different is the greatest accomplishment. (Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19^th century essayist and poet)

People today—especially young people—are pressed on every side to conform to whatever the current “ideal” image is supposed to be. TV, movies, and social media, constantly portray what the current appearance, activity, or music style should be. It takes a good, moral foundation to withstand such pressure and to be the person God made you to be.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

A life not lived for others is not a life. (Mother Teresa)

That’s a hard saying, isn’t it? Many of us have been raised in an environment where we are taught to look out for ourselves first, and to beware of others lest they take advantage of us. That kind of life outlook, however, makes you defensive and wary of anyone who wants to get close to you. Living for the benefit of others, however, leads to a life of joy and fulfillment.

Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25)

There are three guaranteed ways to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. (Frequently quoted observation)

Although constructive criticism can be of great value, most of us don’t enjoy being criticized. Even when it’s right and intended for our good, it hurts to hear it. Realizing the truth of the quotation above, many people refuse to be involved in worthy efforts because they fear criticism. We need to learn how to accept criticism to improve our influence on others.

Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise (Proverbs 15:31).

If we do not change direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed. (Ancient Chinese proverb)

It’s simple common sense, isn’t it? Albert Einstein said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” If we’re going the wrong way, we’d better change directions in a hurry or we’ll end up where we don’t want to be. We must set our course correctly and work diligently to arrive at the desired destination.

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense (Proverbs 10:13).

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou, late U.S. poet laureate)

Angelou’s observation is important to remember. We often think that what we say to people or what we do for them will influence them long into the future. Occasionally, that may be true, but her final comment is sobering. That’s why we need to speak and act with what the Bible calls “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Let our goal be to encourage others.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

If you’re not comfortable within yourself, you can’t be comfortable with others. (Sydney J. Harris, (20th century American journalist)

“It’s surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves.” Harris concludes that that’s the reason so many people are not at ease with themselves. We do need to have a proper understanding of our self-worth to properly relate to others.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment (Romans 12:3).

The creative person is willing to live with ambiguity. He doesn’t need problems solved immediately and can afford to wait for the right ideas. (Abe Tannenbaum, architect)

Like most people, you have probably looked at a uniquely constructed building and wondered, “Who designed that?” While architecture requires following certain principles of physical science, an exceptional structure reflects the original and creative mind of the designer. Patience and a willingness to think “outside the box” make for such designs.

The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it. (2 Chronicles 24:13).