On some level we have all been touched by the seemingly recent surge of deaths highlighted within the media. For some of us, they are heroes, legends, or celebrities. For others, they are mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, niece, or nephew. No matter what their relationship is with us, we must never forget that money, power, or fame does not remove the reality of simply being a human being. It is with this thought process that we must learn to value every relationship that God is allowing us to have.
Let us love each other while they can still feel our love. Let us speak kind words while they can still hear them. Let us do kind things while they can still see them. Let us give flowers while they can still smell them. Let us simply be nice to each other. It appears as if being nice has become an increasing hard skill. But let us get back to just being nice. Be nice to your family. Be nice to your friends. Be nice to your co-workers. Be nice in the store. Be nice at work. Be nice at school. Just be nice.
You may say, “Well you don’t know how they treat me or what they did to me.” Let us make up in our mind that we will not be guilty of keeping the fight or bitterness going. If there is riff between us, it will not be because I kept it going. Let us determine to be initiators of peace.
When it is all said and done, be the person who is guilty of trying to bring resolution. God is a God of love and peace, not resentment, anger, revenge, bitterness, and close-mindedness. We simply do not know how long we have with each other. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Let us be determined to not hear of someone passing then wish we would have made up with them or done something different with the relationship. The worst feeling in the world is to have a regret that cannot be fixed. Do not let your tears be tears of “if only I had called… if only I had dropped the grudge… if only I had done my part to making amends… if only…”
Let us imitate our Heavenly Father in such a way that people who do not desire peace are uncomfortable around us. When it is all said and done and we close our eyes on this side of life, let it be said that here lies an individual that made it their mission to have peaceful relationships with all men. They never held a grudge. They knew how to not only let things go but restore relationship. They always promoted love. They always promoted resolution. They always did whatever they could to bring healing. I believe this is what God is looking for from us – a group of people that are determine to value relationship.
For more information, please call 661-977-4100 or visit www.valenciachristiancenter.org.