"Jesus stopped in the road and called, 'What do you want me to do for you?'"1
An old man seated in the doctor's waiting room, when called in to see the doctor, slowly got up, and, grasping his cane and hunching over, slowly made his way into the examining room. After only a few minutes, the man emerged from the room, walking completely upright! A patient who had watched him hobble into the room all hunched over, stared in amazement.
"That must be a miracle doctor in there!" he exclaimed. "What treatment did he give you? What's his secret?"
The old man looked at him and said, "Well, the doctor looked me up and down, analyzed the situation, and gave me a cane that was four inches longer than the one I had been using."2
How often do we give everyone the same length cane; that is, the same answer for every problem? Then there are those people who see every problem as a nail for which they have only one cure—a hammer!
For example, some people blame every problem on a demon. Others' answer to every problem is to take it to the cross or give it to Jesus. To my embarrassment in younger days I used to teach that if you had a problem, you overcame it by being filled with the Holy Spirit.
While, at times, there may be an element of truth in the above answers, in reality life isn't that simple-neither are our problems. Causes of problems can be complex and multiple and there is no "one answer fits all." And as for pat answers, they are rarely correct, if ever, and are a means of avoiding one's own or another's reality. Not only that, they can do more harm than good to a trusting person.Jesus never had a pat answer for anybody-ever. And he never had the same answer for any two people. His basic question, either spoken or unspoken, always was, "What do you want me to do for you?" In other words, like the Master Physician he was, he always understood a person's specific need, and prescribed the perfect answer to minister to and meet that need.May God help us to do the same.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an understanding heart and a sensitive spirit so that I will always understand people's real needs and meet them at their point of need, and never hand out pat answers. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."
Friday, May 2, 2008
The Hospital Window
Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present.
Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.
As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.
Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.
As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.
The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present.
"As you get older three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can't remember the other two... "Sir Norman Wisdom"
One of the most difficult things in the world is to convince a woman that even a bargain costs money."Edgar Watson Howe"
A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success! "Doug Larson"
A harmful truth is always better then...a useful lie! "Eric Bolton"
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realized that The Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me."Erno Philips"
I only go to work on days that don't end in a 'y'."Robert Paul"
We spend the first twelve months of our children's liv! es teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up."Phyllis Diller"
Laughter is the closest distance between two people."Victor Borge"
Start every day with a smile and get it over with."W.C. Fields"
Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else."Will Rogers"
Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day. "Mickey Rooney"
Women now have choices. They can be married, not married, have a job, not have a job, be married with children, unmarried with children.Men have the same choice we've always had: work or prison."Tim Allen"
I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens."Woody Allen"
Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."Erica Jong"
Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out of it alive. "Elbert Hubbard"
Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use. "Wendell Johnson" In life, it's not who you know that's important, it's how your wife found out."Joey Adams"
I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me."Henry Youngman"
Have you noticed that all the people in favor of birth control are already born ?"Benny Hill" Reach for the stars - You might not always get astar, but at least you won't end up with a handfulof dirt "Leo Burnette
One of the most difficult things in the world is to convince a woman that even a bargain costs money."Edgar Watson Howe"
A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success! "Doug Larson"
A harmful truth is always better then...a useful lie! "Eric Bolton"
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bike. Then I realized that The Lord doesn't work that way, so I stole one and asked him to forgive me."Erno Philips"
I only go to work on days that don't end in a 'y'."Robert Paul"
We spend the first twelve months of our children's liv! es teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up."Phyllis Diller"
Laughter is the closest distance between two people."Victor Borge"
Start every day with a smile and get it over with."W.C. Fields"
Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else."Will Rogers"
Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted a whole day. "Mickey Rooney"
Women now have choices. They can be married, not married, have a job, not have a job, be married with children, unmarried with children.Men have the same choice we've always had: work or prison."Tim Allen"
I'm not afraid to die. I just don't want to be there when it happens."Woody Allen"
Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't."Erica Jong"
Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out of it alive. "Elbert Hubbard"
Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use. "Wendell Johnson" In life, it's not who you know that's important, it's how your wife found out."Joey Adams"
I've been in love with the same woman for forty-one years. If my wife finds out, she'll kill me."Henry Youngman"
Have you noticed that all the people in favor of birth control are already born ?"Benny Hill" Reach for the stars - You might not always get astar, but at least you won't end up with a handfulof dirt "Leo Burnette
Friday, March 21, 2008
NUGGETS OF GOLD
I've Learned ... that you cannot make someone love you.All you can do is besomeone who can be loved.The rest is up to them.
I've learned ...that no matter how much I care,some people just don't care back.
I've learned ... that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned ... that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned ... that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned ... that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned ... that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do but to the best you can do.
I've learned ... that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.
I've learned ... that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I've learned ... that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
I've learned ... that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned ... that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.
I've learned ... that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned ... that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned ... that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned ... that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned ... that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned ... that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned ... that learning to forgive takes practice.
I've learned ... that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned ... that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned ... that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned ... that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned ... that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned ... that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned ... that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned ... that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned ... that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.
I've learned ... that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.
I've learned ... that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned ... that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned ... that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned ... that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned ... that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.
I've learned ... that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned ... that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I've learned ... that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned ... that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned ... that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned ... that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned ... that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I've learned ... that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life.
I've learned ... that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
I've learned ... that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned ... that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned ... that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I've learned ... that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.
I've learned ... that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned ... that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned ... that although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.
I've learned ... that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
Collected by Madan Mohan on 21st. March 2008
I've learned ...that no matter how much I care,some people just don't care back.
I've learned ... that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.
I've learned ... that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
I've learned ... that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
I've learned ... that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.
I've learned ... that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do but to the best you can do.
I've learned ... that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.
I've learned ... that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I've learned ... that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
I've learned ... that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I've learned ... that it's a lot easier to react than it is to think.
I've learned ... that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I've learned ... that you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I've learned ... that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I've learned ... that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I've learned ... that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.
I've learned ... that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I've learned ... that learning to forgive takes practice.
I've learned ... that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it.
I've learned ... that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I've learned ... that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I've learned ... that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I've learned ... that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I've learned ... that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I've learned ... that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
I've learned ... that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I've learned ... that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.
I've learned ... that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.
I've learned ... that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I've learned ... that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I've learned ... that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I've learned ... that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I've learned ... that sometimes when my friends fight, I'm forced to choose sides even when I don't want to.
I've learned ... that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I've learned ... that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.
I've learned ... that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I've learned ... that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I've learned ... that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I've learned ... that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
I've learned ... that there are many ways of falling and staying in love.
I've learned ... that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life.
I've learned ... that no matter how many friends you have, if you are their pillar you will feel lonely and lost at the times you need them most.
I've learned ... that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I've learned ... that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.
I've learned ... that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
I've learned ... that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us.
I've learned ... that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I've learned ... that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon.
I've learned ... that although the word "love" can have many different meanings, it loses value when overly used.
I've learned ... that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
Collected by Madan Mohan on 21st. March 2008
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