Taking it all in...

This morning, as I am sitting here in silence and thinking about my weekend there are several things that are on my mind.  I have said it before, and I have said it again - my life has truly been blessed beyond measure.  I have lifelong friends that I can trust and that are always there, I have three amazing children who surprise me on a daily basis, and I have a family that is more supportive than anyone could have ever hoped for or imagined.  As I look at my life over they last couple of years, there are lots of mistakes that have been made and there are lots of good things that have happened.  There have been a lot of accomplishments and there have been a lot of shortcomings - these things are just part of life.

As I sit here drinking coffee, listening to what He has to say, I was led to Romans 12.  The following portion of this chapter really hit home this morning:

Romans 12:9-21

New Living Translation (NLT)

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[a] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.[b] 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
    I will pay them back,”[c]
    says the Lord.

20 Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
  In doing this, you will heap
    burning coals of shame on their heads.”[d]

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Wouldn't it be a great world to live in, if we could all live by this principle?   What would happen if instead of running people in the ground, we lifted them up?  If instead of talking about them, we prayed for them?  If someone hurt us, we prayed for not only our healing - but theirs as well?  What kind of difference would be made if we were truly happy for everyone's accomplishments?   

So... I would challenge everyone this week to remember these words and try to live by them, and change the world one person at a time!!