[Faith-talk] Daily Thought for Wednesday, July 23, 2014

[Paul]

Hello and good day to you all once again on this Wednesday.  I hope that, by God's matchless grace and His providential care, that you are all doing well today.

Yet again we have an article from last year, this one being especially appropriate for you couples who have children.  It was written by Joy A. Sterling from Alabama, and her contribution is entitled "Living In Harmony," rendered as follows:

In need of some bonding time with our grandchildren, we packed up the four of them, filled the back of the SUV with gear and food, and drove to the beach.  Upon arrival, everyone carried something from the car, but the kids immediately dropped their loads onto the sand and took off while Grandpa and I situated everything.  By the time I sank into my chair, I watched an interesting phenomenon unfold.  Each of our four grandchildren had found another child or group of children to join, and they were happily interacting.  The 12-year-old was playing volleyball with a dozen other young teens.  The eight-year-old, with his boogie board tied to his wrist, eagerly jumped into the surf with a couple other boys.  The five-year-old was already carrying buckets of water to aid a group that was sculpting various works of art.  And the youngest--just turned two--had dug his toes into the sand in front of a little blond charmer and they were busy throwing sand at each other.

No awkwardness; no isolation.  No sparring back and forth to ascertain who was the best or the strongest.  All afternoon they played together, sometimes moving from one group to another as the dynamics changed.  But they didn't fight over whose sculptures were the best.  They shared balls, boards, and even snacks.  There was no name calling, or hogging the best toys.  No one stormed off saying, "I want it my way or I won't play."

Granted, they were all on their best behavior for a short-term relationship but they were able to put aside differences and meet on common ground and share.  They had learned how to play together in unity and peace.

What causes us to lose our ability to live in harmony? Why do we have to be the best, the biggest, or the loudest? Can't we forget our differences and dwell on what we have in common? If nations and neighbors, church members and cousins would be like the kids at the beach and "dwell in unity" like the psalmist instructed, then we would benefit from God's promised blessings.

I realize that our world isn't going to evolve into that paradise, but you and I, as individuals, can.  Remember that old song, "Let there be peace on Earth; and let it begin with me?" If living in harmony becomes our goal, it could change at least our little part of the world.  I'm praying daily that I will live more like my grandchildren have taught me to live--that peace, unity, and harmony.

And there you have Joy's article which I hope was a blessing for you today.

Some might say, "That's easier said than done.  You don't know my situation or my kids." To that I would reply that yes, I may not know your kids or your life situation as a couple, but we know One who does, and in His way, will and time He will bring everything to pass in the most harmonious way.

And now may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob just keep us safe, individually and collectively, in these last days in which we live.  Lord willing, tomorrow there will be another daily thought article for you.  Your Christian friend and brother, Paul