Action Vs. Understanding Vs. Retaining Information

“What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” - Rick Warren

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. Pouring over the text, looking at the illustrations, he simply sought his daily wisdom.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you, but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house.

Papa laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead.  The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

The boy one last time went scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.  Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"  "So, you think it is useless?" Then Papa simply whispered... "Just take a look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was completely different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was now clean, just like new.  "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.

“I may not be where I want to be but thank God I am not where I used to be.” - Joyce Meyer

This little boys question poses an interesting question. Do we still do something when we don't understand how it benefits us or remember what we learn from it?

In my life I can think of a few things that I have done, but didn't understand it or see a point in continuing to do them. Some of those things are a means to achieving a goal. They are stepping stones I need to achieve the goals I have. I don't let it worry me that I am not quite where I want to be in my life yet. I am enjoying the journey that I am on and learning from what I experience. I find solace when I read the bible and listening to my mother's advice. I think being open to change and having a willingness to change helps me to be a calmer person and satisfied with my life. 

Are you satisfied with your life or can you think of a few things within your reach that would make you happier with your journey in life?

True Happiness

 

“True happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” - Helen Keller

Did you ever notice that the word happiness comes from the same word “hap” just as happen does? For many people, their happiness depends on what happens to them; but, real happiness has a far different basis, as it is an inner sense of true and real joy, regardless of the circumstances.

 

You can choose to be joyful, despite what happens to you. Remember the story about Paul and Silas were thrown in jail (check it out in Acts 16)? They had been humiliated, unjustly punished and severely beaten; yet, what were they doing at midnight? Rejoicing! Singing! They were still Happy!

 

Medical science is rediscovering the beneficial effects of a cheerful, positive outlook on physical health. Of course, the Bible has known this all along! The writer of Proverbs found that “A merry heart does good, like medicine” While you’ll find in Psalm 1:2 that is says “his delight is in the law of the Lord.” In Psalm 37:3-4, we are advised not to fret or worry. Instead, “Trust in the Lord, and do good... Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart!”

 

On the eve of his own crucifixion, Jesus promised, “These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy may be full” - John 15:11. In this world of suffering and trouble, to people in despair, to people in need and/or fighting terrible battles, Christ comes and gives them victory over all.  Just know that when we find our happiness in God, we'll gain that inward joy that is matched by our outward satisfaction and over-all well-being!

 

“All true happiness, pure joy, sweet bounties, and unclouded pleasure are contained within the knowledge and love of God." - Said Nursi

These past few months I have been living with my grandmother and taking care of her. I believe and have been told that I am a natural care giver. While that may be the case, caring for an elderly person at the end of their life is an experience that will challenge everything you know about yourself. There have been many challenges and struggles, but one thing remains constant. I love my grandmother and she loves me. 

Throughout all the stress of providing end of life care and going to college, I do my best to find one thing everyday that brings a small smile to my face and provides me with a sense of peace. Frequently I scroll through my photos and look at pictures of my nephew. He is a major source of joy and happiness in my life. 

Another source of peace in my life is my bible. I enjoy opening it up to random pages and seeing what speaks to me. I always feel less stressed and restless when I read passages and verses. Today the passage that resonated with me was Proverbs 3:3-6;11-12;25-26. Pertaining to verse 25, I had a sudden terror last night with my grandmother and then this morning I opened to this tailored verse for my stressor.

Of course, nothing takes the place of emotional phone calls with my mom. She listens to me vent and unload all the emotional stress I am experiencing. She listens to what I am experiencing in any tone it comes out in and offers me advice and tips to help me with what I am going through.

That was three sources of joy and happiness in my life. It is hard to admit that my life is extremely stressful. When asked how am I, my regurgitated response is I am fine. I think we are conditioned to always be fine to the point that when asked how we are we answer in a positive way. 

So my challenge to you is to answer the following questions truthfully and with thought. 

What is your true happiness? What are some of the things that bring joy to your life? What puts a smile on your face when everything around you is weighing you done?