“Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.” (Author Unknown)
In the room I refer to as my home office, there are several pictures and wall hangings. There are four framed pictures all with a bible verse written on an olive-green background. They are not just for décor, not just to coordinate with the colors of other articles is the room, but they serve as daily reminders to embrace strongly and experience, with the help of our Sovereign God, qualities such as patience, strength, hope, and wisdom. There are also five, small, wooden rectangular wall hangings, each with their own inspirational words: “Have Faith,” “Truly Blessed,” “Shine,” “Believe in You,” and “Love.” There is a larger wood hanging that encourages me to go boldly to the gracious throne of God. It simply says, “Pray Big.” There is a framed wall hanging underneath the large wooden clock and it lets me know I don’t have to be cognitive and completely serious all the time. And in fact, it gives me the approval to do funny things like I did in high school, funny enough to earn the title of “Mr. Crazy.” I think that award was really a nice way of saying, “Class Clown.” Back to the sign underneath the large wooden clock. It says, “Be silly sometimes.” Members of my congregation that are reading this meditation are probably saying, “And he does!” No excuse, my friend, because even Jesus used humor.
I will not mention three other framed, inspirational pieces of art, for the sake of time. But I will point out that the opening quote, found under the title of today’s meditation, is embossed on a long, rectangular, wooden wall hanging that is over the window in front of my desk. Every mandate on this particular wall hanging makes me think about my journey through life. Live simple, good advice! Love generously, great advice that helps me reflect the love of the Father, the love of the Son, and the fact that my love for others proves that I have passed from death to life. Care deeply and speak kindly, well, what can I say except that this is more good advice, advice that will help maintain good relationships. However, it is the final recommendation, the last phrase that is most beneficial when I start to worry too much or when I feel to insufficient to do what I have been charged to do or when I wonder, “What’s next.”. You read the last part of the quote! It says, “leave the rest to God.” For me, that is the greatest and most needed advice on the long, rectangular, wooden wall hanging. Which one speaks specifically to you?
I am sure that the writer of the quote above wrote with confidence from His heart and from his experience with our God, the One who we each can say, “He cares for me.” When it comes to that type of confidence, dear reader, just say, “I want what he has!” Love you! Be blessed!
“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” (Psalm 55:22 New American Standard Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King