Cheaply Made

Usually, my posts are uplifting and positive.  So I will try to make this post come out positive in the end!  Ok, here goes....So many things nowadays are made of cheaper materials than in past generations.  For example, furniture is hard to come by that is well-made and durable like "old-fashioned" solid wood furniture.  The cheap stuff just doesn't last as long, no matter how well you take care of it.  The same thing is true for most anything these days:  cars, clothing, toys/games, houses, shoes, etc.   Could I venture to say that individuals in general are not "well-made" either?  Sure, we have better healthcare and dental care than previous generations, but what about quality character traits, such as loyalty, respect, dependability, responsibility, devotion, honesty & integrity?  Certainly many generations gone by have valued these important characteristics more than we do now.  It is rare to see a younger person with great manners, generosity, and general kindness for strangers, children, the elderly, mothers with children, the less fortunate, and the disabled, to name a few.  NONE of us is perfect, mind you, and much growth is required to develop healthy and positive traits.  I say all this to say that I believe that this is the *root* cause of failing relationships on all levels.  Increases in litigation are a symptom of this problem.  Taking responsibility for one's own actions is more the exception in most cases, than the rule, I am afraid to say.  Too often we "fly off the handle" or judge someone else, forgetting our boundaries with others.  So let this be a CHALLENGE to "see the world through G-d's eyes," and allow His Ruach (Spirit) to flow through us to be His face to others....the rest will fall in place as our relationships are well made.

John 13:34-35 NIV
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Gratzie! Gracias! Merci! Todah! Thanks! - the many facets of grace

Was pondering the meaning of the words "grace" and "gratitude" today, and how the meanings of the words are similar, and even overlap.  Grace has always had the connotation of "mercy" to me, but I realize now a whole new level of meaning to this word.  An essence of gratitude surrounds it.  The two words even share the same root, gratus.  To think of the grace of G-d meaning gratitude simply astounds me, as I imagine our blessed Yeshua being thankful for US!!!  Contemplate that for a second....  He is everything to me, and yet He is thankful for ME, little me.  And you too!!  Isn't that delightful?  And the action that flows from His gratitude is the immense blessing of mercy, forgiveness, love, rejoicing, shalom, understanding, wisdom, faith, consolation, and favor, to name a few.  So we can be all of these things to others in our lives, through his power, by giving them grace, ie being grateful for them..........  G-d is awesome, isn't He?