My Mother Always Said I Was Different!

My mother was the most compassionate person I had ever known. When I look back over my childhood, my mother was always doing for others, not expecting anything in return.  In fact, when I was about 7 years old the neighbor lady asked if I would go to the neighborhood grocery store for her. I asked Mother and she said yes, for me to go for Mrs. D. Well, I went and when I brought her groceries to her she gave me a dime. I went home and showed my mother and she sent me right back to give the dime back! I will never forget my mother's words! "You never do something for someone because you expect to be paid for doing it. You do it to help someone and that is your reward!" I was 7 years old and have never forgotten that!

Mother could never stand to see someone go hungry. She was not a monetarily wealthy woman, but for years she kept a family next door to her fed. They had 3 children and the mother couldn't work because they couldn't afford for anyone to keep the children while she did. Mother at that time was working 2 jobs, but every time she went to the grocery store for herself she came home with bags of groceries for that family!

Mother wasn't a 'smiler' but she was a hugger! In fact, I am sure that she is the official greeter at the Pearly Gates and everyone gets a hug! Now, I am a smiler and a laugher! Where mother was a negative talker I have always been a positive talker, even as a child. I remember once when I was sick with the flu, I called Mother at work for something and her boss answered and asked me how I was! I said, 'I'm fine' and Mother had a fit! Why did I say I was fine when I was sick and throwing up???  My friends when I was growing up even called me an 'eternal optimist'! I couldn't understand what they were talking about!

Now, I said all of this because I cannot stand negative talk or thinking. I love life and am thankful for every minute of each and ever day. I can't understand people that feel sorry for themselves and I can't understand depression! Now, I'm not saying that I have never had any down, sad, lonely days, but there haven't been that many and they didn't last long! Life here on earth is temporary and it is such a waste to spend any of it being depressed and feeling sorry for yourself! Have you ever seen the video of the young man who was born without arms and legs? He has the most wonderful attitude and is going all around the world testifying and motivating others! There is nothing he can't do. He feeds himself, he swims, he lives life to its fullest! Here is the link to see and hear him: http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ 

Now the next time you start to complain about something or say something negative, STOP and think...what am I doing??? God loves you! He never leaves you!  He never forsakes you! He takes care of your every need, every desire of your heart. All He requires of you is your love for Him, your total trust in Him and your obedience to His Word. He is your Daddy and He wants to give you everything He has, so start building that close, personal, loving relationship with Him and receive what He has for you! Let the love of  God radiate from you. Smile at someone you don't know and brighten their day. Let Jesus shine through you with your smile, pleasant look, glow of happiness in your eyes, a kind word to someone you don't know, your attitude.  After all...you never know when you are coming in contact with an angel!