Sharing and Caring

Is God A Biker?

The two of them sat there all afternoon munching on twinkies and smiling happily, but they never exchanged a word.

As darkness came, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps he turned around, ran back to the handsome bearded man and gave him a hug. The biker gave the boy his biggest, warmest smile ever as the boy ran off to his home. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face.

She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the coolest motorcycle I've ever seen!"

His Mom just stood there with her mouth wide open.

Meanwhile, the lonely bearded man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His pet mouse was so awestruck by the look of peace on his face that he asked, "Hey, what did you do today that made you so happy?"

He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God."

And before the little pet mouse responded, he added, "You know, Mouse, God's much younger than I expected."

Moral: Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

• When we share laughter, there is twice the fun.
• When we share success, we have surpassed what we have done.
• When we share problems, there is half the pain.
• When we share tears, a rainbow follows rain.
• When we share dreams, they become more real.
• When we share secrets, we reveal our hearts.
• If we share a smile, that is when our love shows.
• If we share a hug, that is when our love grows.
• If we share with someone on whom we depend, that person is always Family or friend.
• 
  In addition, what draws us closer and makes us all care is not what we have, but the things that we share.

Something to Think About

A number of years ago I was complaining to a friend of mine about how much responsibility I had and how difficult my life seemed to be.
His response played a role in my transformation from seeing myself as a victim of circumstance to being a person who truly accepts life as it is (most of the time). Rather than commiserating with me and sharing his own difficulties, his question to me was, "Is there some reason why you think you should be exempt from the rest of the human race?"

He was referring, of course, to the obvious, but largely overlooked, fact that life is full of challenges, obstacles, hurdles, setbacks, difficulties, hassles, and problems-for all of us. No one is exempt. Regardless of your background, race, religion, or sex- regardless of what kind of parents you had, your birth order, how much money or notoriety you have, and all the other specifics of your life-you
will have problems. Case closed. The old saying is still true, as it will be forever: Circumstances don't make a person, they reveal him or her.

It's very helpful to remind yourself of this fact of life. It puts things in perspective. When we remind ourselves that life wasn't meant to be hassle-free or perfect, we are more able to respond to our challenges with perspective and grace. Rather than being annoyed or over-whelmed by every little thing, we're usually able to say something like, "Oh, well, here's another one to deal with."

The less you struggle with your problems and challenges, the more energy you have at your disposal to solve them. Rather than exacerbating the issues you are dealing with, you'll see the bigger picture, including the best possible solutions at hand.

Reminding yourself of the inevitability of problems to deal with won't make your life perfect, but it will put things in a healthier perspective and make life seem a whole lot less overwhelming. Starting right now, see if you can view your current problems in a new light. You might discover that at least the "small stuff" can be experienced with a great deal more serenity.

I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called "Smile." The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought, this would be a piece of cake, literally.

Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special play time with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch...an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was "smiling". His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the
second man was mentally deficient and the blue eyed gentleman was his salvation.

I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue eyed gentleman's cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you."

I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope." I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey. To give me hope."

We held hands for a moment and at that time we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.

I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we, as human beings and being part of God, share this need to heal people and be healed.

In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student.

An Angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out or your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.