GLORIFIED

We all like to be glorified in some way or other, especially if gifted with artistic abilities.

There would seem to be a need to feel accomplished / able to do the best we can with what we have.

All this is good. However, it can lead us astray when it comes to being true to ourselves and the talents God has given us.

We can find ourselves 'playing' to the whims and tastes of others instead of following inspiration in learning to be who we are.

True glory is found in simplicity and honesty; an almost child-like approach to life.

We open our hearts and portray Truth in our actions and thoughts and creative endeavours.

Be glorified in personal uniqueness. This is our God-given right.

PURPOSE

The value of what we do depends on the purpose why we do what we do.

There are times when we simply 'fall' into things. We have no great plan, just drift along and hope that things will turn out right.

This would be the disposition of a 'dreamer', a person who uses their imagination more than their common-sense.

Now, using our imagination is a good thing. We learn to apply lateral thinking and see and do things from a different perspective.

However, the 'dreamy' person is often detached from reality. They want to do something yet don't allow enough time to do it.

They want to say something, yet make no preparation / lose focus and so what could well have been a brilliant idea is smothered in guilt and regret.

Having purpose in our lives keeps us grounded, and gives us energy to put in the work needed to succeed in what we are doing or saying etc.

The idea of wanting to become a saint, a true friend of God's, helps us reflect on Truth; gives purpose to all we do and so we gain grace to do all things well.

HEART TRANSPLANT

Medical science is astounding; the miracles that take place where a heart can be transplanted from one person/body to another.

The amount of skill involved in such an operation is mind-blowing. Some said it could not be done, and have been proved wrong.

So, perhaps when we find ourselves lacking in some virtue/energy we can apply a little faith and believe that all is possible.

Christ has offered us His Sacred Heart and we are invited to become part of His love.

Every time we practise our faith we are being transformed. Like a heart transplant, our hearts become identical to the One we love.

SPOILT BY LOVE

We learn, early on in life, how bad it is to spoil a child. So, perhaps we carry this information into adult life and hold back when it comes to spoiling another person.

We may be grown up physically, and yet still be like a child when it comes to affection or being noticed and appreciated.

Maybe this is not always a good thing and yet, it may well be the key to another person's heart.

We meet... I say hello... you say hello...

We talk about non-essential things, yet what we are doing is confirming in each other's mind the fact that we are worthy of conversation / worthy of a relationship / worthy of love.

Love, if it is true, is not limited by human weaknesses.

Love is able to see the best in others, and ourselves, and so we are free to spoil, and to be spoilt by love.

FINDING CHRIST IN OTHERS

There are times when we meet people, not by choice, more by Divine intervention. They could be work colleagues or friends of friends. They come into our lives for awhile, perhaps a short visit or longer.

Is it because they are not of our choosing that they present us with a challenge? Whatever the reason, our ability to love is being stretched.

God is inviting us to expand our hearts and to grow in love.

How do we do this?

Well, love means love. Whatever it takes to have the attributes of love, this is our challenge / our invitation to grow as a person.

Kindness is a good start, followed by genuine interest.

For the spiritual-minded, we are invited to find Christ in others.

COMPASSION

A person who is full of compassion is one who keeps close to God. At times, we can be lacking in virtue and yet, as soon as we take on board our neighbour and care about them, then we are elevated to a higher state, we are in the company of God.

Compassion melts all pride, both in ourselves and others. It is as if we take on the Person of Christ. Although we remain our imperfect self, we have a spiritual energy that transforms us to become more, more than our own finite nature.

Compassion is a healer, heals the person we are compassionate with, and heals ourselves too.

APPROVAL

There is a certain weakness that is found is most people, a need for approval.

We can happily exist and do our work, whatever it might be, and still want approval from others. Why?

Perhaps is comes down to our need for love, which is a positive weakness.

However, we may look for this love from others instead of waiting and believing that God will provide for our needs.

This is where faith steps in and we leave human reasoning behind.

Only God knows our needs, even more so than we do. So, when we turn to others and look for approval from them, it is tantamount to insulting God. We offend against Truth.

Of course because others love us, we will experience their love and approval. Yet, it would be wise, not to depend on them.

They, like ourselves, are prone to human frailty. We can be hurt by our own misguided need for their approval, and vice-verse.

Look to God and be ready to accept the Truth, whatever it might be.

ENCOURAGEMENT

The value of encouragement goes beyond what we could imagine. The human soul is in such need, that if we had to live our lives without a word of encouragement, we would die.

Sometimes the encouragement we need comes through books, or words. Most of all, we are encouraged by love.

This is a great proof for us, of our need for God, for He who is Love.

Keep your heart close to God and you will never be lacking in encouragement.