True joy in life

George Bernard Shaw wrote about what he describes as True Joy. 

“This is the true joy of life; .... being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature rather than a feverish selfish little cloud of ailments complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

I find it interesting that he speaks of this, especially as we consider God's calling for us to serve him in our communities and in whatever way we can. Perhaps we know someone who seems to be a 'feverish selfish little cloud of ailments' and who is always complaining about something. They don't fill is with motivation or excitement, do they? However, we also know of people who seem to have found their purpose in life, and they are filled with joy. They radiate the love of Jesus. 

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12: 7

“If I do it by myself, for myself, it’s death. If I do it with God for others, its life, because whatever I do with God for others outlives my life.” – John Ortberg

 Living in Grace

D3LM3

Making mistakes

"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." - George Bernard Shaw

It is easy to point out someone else's mistakes, but what we may never know is the huge lessons they are learning along the way. We are all a 'work in progress' and so perhaps we need to allow for each other's frailties. 

Paul wrote to Timothy to offer him some advice on what could help him live a Godly life:

2 Timothy 3:14-17 - Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Before you say 'Adios'

In the sixth chapter of "Half Time" Bob Burford shares the heart-wrenching story of the death of his son. The circumstances surrounding his death were tragic and it took years for Bob to come to terms with what happened. In reflecting back on that time in his life, Buford quotes from two respected authors - George Bernard Shaw and John Donne. I found these quotes helpful and so I would like to offer them to you.

"Life is no brief candle to me. It's a sort of splendid torch which I've got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations." - George Bernard Shaw

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main ... any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; therefor never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee!" - John Donne

Before we all say our 'Adios' to the world, why don't we embrace all of the LIFE that God has given to us.

Psalm 104:33 - I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Living in Grace
D3LM3