Daily Stop & Thinks

Hope

Wishing and hoping for something in the future is to ignore present reality. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

When someone is hoping, maybe even planning for something unrealistic, something that most likely will never happen, we call that “wishful thinking.” We should prepare for the future, of course, and successful planning demands a pretty clear understanding of present reality. Careful and realistic planning will help to fulfill your hopes for the future.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12).

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for (Hebrews 11:1).

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Preparation

It’s not the will to win that’s important; it’s the will to prepare to win. (Paul “Bear” Bryant, late football coach)

Bryant noted that everyone has the will to win, but that’s not enough. This often-quoted statement certainly goes much deeper than what is often promised: if you just want to bad enough, you can gain whatever you want. Winning takes more than talent and ability. It most often requires training, discipline, and perseverance. Want to win and work hard to do it.

Prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control (1 Peter 1:13).

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should (1 Corinthians 9:27). 

Aging III

A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams. (John Barrymore, late American actor)

According to Barrymore, when the time comes that we begin to long for the “good old days” rather than think expectantly about the future, we have become “old.” Of course, the elderly have to use common sense in planning for the future. Age does slow us down in many ways, but it must not stop us from pursuing our hopes and dreams as long as our health permits it.

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. (Psalm 71:18)

Aging II

Growing old is compulsory—growing up is optional. (Bob Monkhouse, late English entertainer)

The days, months, and years keep adding up. You can’t slow them down, speed them up, or stop them altogether. When you were growing up, your parents might have said, “Act your age,” because you were being childish. Perhaps the same challenge should be given to some older folks who haven’t been acting as mature adults. So, regardless of the years, act your age.

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. (Psalm 39:4)

Aging I

May your years be counted not by your age but by how you spend your days. (Catherin Pulsifer, author)

As we experience each birthday, many of us begin to think more seriously about the passing of time and how much of the future we will have to enjoy life. How much better it is to look at life one day at a time and determine to make the best possible use of that day, perhaps to increase our learning and experience or to find ways to encourage and enhance the lives of others.

In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? (Ecclesiastes 6:12)

Action II

If you’re waiting until you feel talented enough to make it, you’ll never make it. (Criss Jami, poet)

Confidence and self-assurance may be necessary traits for success in public performance whether in sports, art, or public service. But those traits don’t come easily for many people. The fear of public speaking, for example, keeps some from contributing their opinions in a public forum. Don’t fear the unknown; move forward to do your best with the abilities God has given you.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. (Psalm 56:3)

Action I

You don’t have to be perfect to do something extraordinary. You just need to act on what you say you believe. (Chris Suit)

Most of us want to do better. We strive for excellence but know all too well that we’re not perfect and rarely do anything flawlessly. But, as Suit notes, perfection is not a qualification for action. Use your knowledge wisely; do your best no matter the task; and add enthusiasm as you fulfill your responsibilities and ambitions. Do so expectantly.

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Sharing Joy

When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. (Eleanor Roosevelt, late U.S. first lady)

There’s just something good about giving, isn’t there? Especially, if you’re sharing something very positive—maybe just a word or a smile. You might get a smile or a kind word in return; but, even if you don’t, you’ll certainly have a sense of satisfaction that you’ve been able to bring joy into someone’s life. Keep at it! You’ll enhance your own life and other people’s too.

Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. (2 Corinthians 2:3)

Forgiving

The real trouble about the duty of forgiveness is that you do it with all your might on Monday and then find on Wednesday that it hasn’t stayed put and all has to be done over again. (C. S. Lewis, late British scholar)

We can all relate to Lewis’ observation. Sometimes we say, “I can forgive, but I can’t forget.” The better understanding of “forgetting” is not that you can erase the hurt from your memory bank, but rather that it no longer holds you in its grip. Forgiving someone is a blessing to them, of course, but it is an even greater blessing to be free from carrying the burden of unforgiveness.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)

Words

The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart. So, be careful with your words. (Author unknown)

Wise King Solomon wrote, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1). Sometimes our responses in conversations may be spoken in haste without much thought on what we’re about to say. We may hurt someone unintentionally and then find it difficult to make amends. So, remember to stop and think…and bite your tongue if you have to.

“People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. . . And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, this is not right!” (James 3:7-8, 10)

Hard Times

Remind me that hard times are to make me stronger and wiser and help me turn tests into testimonies. (Charity M. Richey-Bentley, author)

It’s unfortunate but true that everyone encounters hard times sometime in life. We often ask, “Why?” or “Why me?” And just as often, we don’t find easy answers. But Richey-Bentley’s prayer can be a helpful thought. When we become wiser and stronger through adversity, we can bear a testimony of personal experience that can help someone else.

[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:4)