School shoes. That’s what I call my sneakers, because there’s usually at least one interaction or conversation every day that I leave with a “take-away.” I used to tell my sons when they were growing up, “Sometimes, God sends us someone to set a really good example, but other times, He sends us someone who gives us a really good example of a bad example.” And even at the age of 62-3/4 (that 3/4 counts ;)…. this still rings true for me. Over the past 30 days or so, I seem to have collected little bits of “you learn something new every day” nuggets, some really good examples, and yes – some really good examples of bad examples. Here are a few I felt worthy of jotting down this morning …
- Did you know there is a metal bumble bee at the bottom of every urinal for men to aim at when they pee? THIS, over a brunch with my bestie Jean Sanders. Jean learned this at a Women’s Conference when the men’s bathroom was opened up for the women, and I had to google it to see if it was true… and it was. Not a piece of information you’ll use in the future, but it sure provided us with a good laugh! (Hope it does you, too!)
- When I get a patient who shows up with their child, and they speak poorly about the “other” sibling… which is information I don’t particularly need for my assessment… it reflects poorly on you (not them). And – it actually makes me sick.
- Those who humble themselves, intentionally approach someone they have hurt or offended, and say the words, “I’m sorry,” it is really quite admirable (and reflects Christ)
- I’ve come to the conclusion that when people think of the word “forgiveness” they immediately think of who they “want” or “are willing” to forgive, but it doesn’t cross minds that perhaps there’s some forgiveness they should seek.
- When I have a patient who I know ahead of time needs oxygen, I strategically plan their environment up to a couple of hours prior to their arrival, so that I can save a room with oxygen in it for them, because oxygen is necessary for life. So is Truth. So I must be STRATEGIC about preaching TRUTHS to myself, and PLAN time to spend with the Lord so that I can LIVE. It’s NECESSARY. (Preaching to myself right now). The world will tell you lies, and the devil will use those around you to distract you from the Truth of who you are in Christ. So get strategic and plan TIME with Him, and plan who you should and should not surround yourself with, because JUST LIKE OXYGEN, it is NECESSARY if you want to LIVE. (Rita, read this paragraph 10 more times)
- The world doesn’t revolve around me, and I need to remind myself of this every day. But just because it doesn’t revolve around me – doesn’t mean it revolves around you instead.
- Not every moment of every day needs an activity, just like not every moment of silence needs NOISE, and not every call needs to be answered, or demand met.
- Guard your tongue, and keep an eternal perspective. This isn’t home.
- Press on, and keep your eye on the finish line. We’re goin’ home.
I have to leave for work in 8 minutes, or I’ll be late. And I still have to brush my teeth and start the car. So I’ll end this here and go find my school shoes. And take every thought captive for my 12-mile drive….
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5
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