Today's message is a simple one, as they all are. I spend a lot of time riding the Metro. Therefore I come in contact with a variety of people, one group in particular makes an impression on me. Children, and the mentally challenged. The way they approach life inspires me daily to be more like Him. Not because of what I can do for them, but because of their example. Amen?
As a child we always rode the bus, my parents didn't have a vehicle until I was 12 years old. My brother would ride anywhere, anytime, just to take a ride. On one of his escapades he befriended a man named Darren. Darren lived at a group home in Washington, DC. Though mentally challenged he may have been the most loving person I'd ever encountered. Had I seen Darren I would've never spoken with him. He wasn't clean, he was mentally challenged, and I just would've overlooked him. Somehow though he and my brother became friends. See, Darren was lost that day on the bus. So my brother brought him home. My mother and father opened our house to him, fed him, clothed him, and allowed him to spend a night or two. Yet, that wasn't the end of our time with Darren. Over the next couple of months he visited us regularly, always with his infectious smile. Darren didn't have bad days....EVER! He always woke up happy to be alive, and anxious to show his love.
I didn't understand it then how he could be that way. The hand life had dealt him would've angered me. Not particularly handsome, poor, and mentally challenged. None of those things seemed to affect him though. Whoever he saw he greeted, and I believe everyone who came in contact with him walked away a better person.
Even today I sort of envy children and the mentally challenged. It's not that they don't realize life's hardships, they just choose to focus on life's blessings. They approach the day happy to be present. More aptly, happy to be in His presence. Overlooking whatever circumstance they set out to enjoy life. That is AWESOME! In our daily hustle and bustle we lose that. The expectancy and appreciation of life. Why? Maybe we all need to learn a lesson from those we overlook. Instead of trying to make their lives better, maybe we all could glean how to truly enjoy life from them.
Have a talk with a child. Have a conversation with one who is mentally challenged. You would be amazed at how it will change your outlook. You would be astonished by how it will change your perspective. God is AWESOME, and He uses the most unlikely vessels to convey His message. Today's scripture is from Philippians 4:11 (KJV); "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. " All of us have heard this before, and Lord knows we try to live up to it. It's tough though right? Only because we allow our ambitions and desires to override His.
Take the time today to be thankful. For the good, the bad, and the in-between. Be content that you, if your being obedient, are right where He needs you to be. You may not understand the whole of what He is doing in and through you, just be content with the fact that you know He is doing something in and through you. Be content with knowing you are on a divine path. Be content with the beauty He has allowed you to behold. Be content in knowing that you are His child. Don't allow worry to rob you of the peace He intends for you to have. Learn a lesson from the children and mentally challenged. Life is about perspective. Are you allowing Him to change yours?
Be Blessed Be Faithful