Greetings on this most high and overrated Groundhog Day. No matter what Phil says there are six more long weeks of winter. So with that good news…
Before you head off into this next weekend of winter, here are three things that I have read and been thinking about his week. Hope they are as helpful, thought provoking, and action shaping to you as they have been for me.
Have a great weekend!
#1
The dynamic of friendship is almost always underestimated as a constant force in human life. A diminishing circle of friends is the first terrible diagnostic of a life in deep trouble: of overwork, of too much emphasis on a professional identity, of forgetting who will be there when our armored personalities run into the inevitable natural disasters and vulnerabilities found in even the most average existence.
Consolations by David Whyte
I have been diagnosing my own life this week trying hard to not put myself in the deep trouble category. But I definitely need to be on high alert. Whyte makes the case that friendship is not a nicety but a necessity. How much time and energy are we spending to develop those relationships that will transcend whatever our present situation is?
#2
“What do you want to be when you grow up ?”
“Kind” said the boy.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Gifted to me a few months ago, I have been savoring this book for its profound simplicity, striking clarity, and impact. Romans 2:4 says that it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance. If that is so, and I believe it to be true, then being kind is the holiest way of living. For you cannot be kind, truly kind, without loving God and loving others. Kindness is the expression of love which is unmistakable, never regretted, and offers the best way forward in all situations with all people.
Ms. Barry, Downtown Children’s Director, is right when she says “Be Kind” is rule one. A good way for children of all ages to live by.
#3
Words of encouragement are like that. They have their own power. And when they are said by the right people, they can change everything. What I’ve found in following Jesus is that most of the time, when it comes to who says it, we each are the right people. And I’ve concluded something else. That the words people say to us not only have shelf life but have the ability to shape life.
Love Does by Bob Goff and Donald Miller
We are the right people to help shape the lives of those around us. While we may focus on grand gestures, the surest way to impact another person is to find them doing something and thank them for it. Even better, acknowledge a person for the infinite worth they have simply by being alive. Excuse the shameless borrowing from Grey’s Anatomy, but “It’s a great day to shape a life.”
todd nelson 