Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money cannot buy. (Author unknown)

The old hymn says, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one … and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” The blessings of a good mind, a healthy body, a fulfilling job, a happy family, a prosperous community—these and so many more cannot be bought and are too often taken for granted. Think about them and find joy in what you have.

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence (Psalm 21:6).

STOP AND THINK – Enjoy the little things in life … for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things. (Robert Brault, opera singer and author)

Someone else has said, “Stop to smell the roses.” We often pass over little things that mean a lot at the moment—the smile of a baby, the kind word of an encourager, the moving passage of a book recently read. We so often focus on the big events of life that we overlook the smaller things until we look back and remember what was most meaningful.

Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil (Proverbs 15:16). Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice (Proverbs 16:8).

STOP AND THINK – What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. (Thomas Paine, 18^th century political theorist)

We have probably recognized the truth in what Paine wrote. When things are given to us or earned at little cost, they are often not valued very highly. But the things we worked hard to get or paid a high price for—those things we value much more highly. We should determine, then, the worth of what we seek and work hard to achieve what is of greatest value.

Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8).

STOP AND THINK – You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one. (James A. Froude, 19^th century English historian)

No doubt, we would all like to be known for our sterling character, but wishing for such a reputation won’t make it happen. Character, as Froude suggests, is developed over time by an unspoiled reputation, demonstrated by a person’s actions and attitude. You work at being the best person you can be and let others acknowledge the character you’ve developed.

A good name is more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1).

STOP AND THINK – If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader. (John Quincy Adams, 6^th president of the United States)

Some people seem to think they are leaders, but no one is following them. Others are not concerned whether they are recognized as leaders, but, as Adams says, their actions draw others to follow them. It’s essential that we have leaders who, indeed, do inspire us to dream, learn, do and become more than we would do or be without their leadership.

Remember your leaders . . . Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith (Hebrews 13:7).

STOP AND THINK – Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone. (G. B. Stern, British novelist)

Have you ever wished you had said “Thank you” to someone and had failed to do so? After the opportunity has passed, we can only regret that we were quiet when we should have spoken up. Think of someone today that you are grateful for and tell them so. It’s never too late to do what is right. Be sure to thank them now!

Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation . . . with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).

STOP AND THINK – You can’t have everything. Where would you put it? (Mark Twain)

Twain didn’t live to see the modern TV show, Hoarders. Had he lived this long, he would be surprised to see that some people seem to think they can have everything. They keep everything they get, buy much they don’t need, and stuff it all in their houses and garages. They give silent testimony that “things” don’t satisfy. In reality, fewer might just be better.

We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that (1 Timothy 6:7-8).

STOP AND THINK – When you can’t mind your own business, be sure to mind your tongue. (Kenneth J. Brown, author)

We all know that we should mind our own business, but sometimes that’s hard to do. We think that our opinion or judgment is needed, so we offer it in spite of fearing we shouldn’t get involved. Brown’s reminder, however, ought to make us think twice before we offer opinions that aren’t asked for. Doing so might save us from a lot of embarrassment.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

STOP AND THINK – Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out. (John Wooden, renowned basketball coach)

Wooden was known not only for his skills as a basketball player and coach, but also for his teaching skills with his players. In any sport, there are times when the play is not going well. You can’t always go back and start over again, so you have to deal with the current situation. Those who succeed are the ones who work hard with whatever confronts them.

All hard work brings a profit (Proverbs 14:23). 

STOP AND THINK – The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision. (Helen Keller, noted speaker and author)

No doubt, Keller had met people who, though sighted, seemed not to have any vision. She may have been thinking about people who are unaware of their advantages and opportunities. Or, perhaps she was thinking of some who live for the present with no thought of the future. In either case, their lack of vision will most likely thwart any worthy achievements.

Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion (Proverbs 3:21).

STOP AND THINK – If you aren’t falling now and then, you aren’t pushing yourself hard enough. (Ski instructor)

Nobody really wants to fall, do they? An eager beginning skier certainly realizes he might fall, but that doesn’t stop him from trying. Just as we learned to walk by getting up, taking a step, falling, and then starting over again—so most of life is like that. We learn by error, and the fear of making a mistake must not keep us from trying again and moving forward.

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again (Proverbs 24:16).

STOP AND THINK – The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices. (Frederick II, the Great, 18^th century Prussian king)

We should always be on a search for truth. When we discover a reality we had not known before, it is both pleasing and beneficial. The same is true for doing away with long-held ideas that are not true. Life is most satisfying when we rid ourselves of unhealthy biases and latch on to truths that can increase learning and usefulness.

Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well (Proverbs 23:23).