The race; the epic battle of the tortoise and the hare. The timeless fable of an overconfident hare that was sure it could beat the slow moving tortoise.
The Race
While the story seems to be about the race; it is a metaphor about life.
Life is like a race; realistically, a marathon. It has a beginning and an end, with a lot of distance in between. So many things can happen along the way; obstacles can pop up, staying focused, pushing yourself when you hit the wall, and pacing yourself to finish.
Rushing to the end and trying to have, and accomplish everything in life is not always the important part of the race. Slow and steady, enjoying the run and scenery along the way, will bring far more pleasures to life.
It is not important how you start the race; but how you run the race and finish it that matters. Enjoy the race of life and all that it offers.
Cross-stitch is a beautiful piece of work when completed.
Cross-Stitch of Life
The hours spent pulling different colors of thread through a fabric, in X shaped stitches to create a scene, patterns, phrases, flowers, people, and so many other things are a skilled piece of artwork. The beauty of the finished product is stunning for all to behold.
The hidden backside of it, though, is a complete mess. Thread going from one spot to another, in a gridded pattern, using different stiching patterens at times, that ends up looking like a bowl of spaghetti. A complete disaster that is often hidden and unseen when completed, and so different than what the finished piece is seen by others.
People are much like a cross-stitch piece. We see the beauty and outward appearance of a seemingly happy and wonderful human being. What we mostly do not see is the mess and turmoil deep inside, that is hidden from the world.
The distress of everyday life that causes chaos deep within. The smile and the persona that hides all of the inward battles and is projected in a beautiful smile, a kind action or word.
However; there is the cleaner version of cross-stitch. The version that took more time and work to make the front a work of art and the back cleaned up and neat.
People are exactly like that, and go through that same transformation when they work on their inner self. A cleaned up and better projected inner version that is amazing for themselves and for the world to see.
All it takes is a little work, dedication, faith, belief, effort, and a willingness to make ourselves beautiful inside and out, leaving a masterpiece for all to see.
Be the cross-stitch master piece in life.
1 Peter 3:4 NIV Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Have you ever really thought about who is truly in your corner when you need someone? Who is there to help you fight your battles? Is it someone, is it God, or is it both?
Boxers always have people in their corner when they need them. The manager to give advice and throw in the towel when he knows it is time for their safety. A cut man to patch them up during the bouts, and a physician in case one is needed. They rely on them at all times.
We like boxers, need that help too. We all have friends that are willing to help with things when we need them, but having those or that one person that is in your corner is a different story.
It is a story of trust, confidence, reliability, dependability, faith, hope, being humble, and acceptance of help. Knowing that someone is there that has your back in every situation, no matter what (withstanding something that breaks the law). The comfort that someone is really there for you night and day, 365 days a year for anything you need, both physically, mentally and spiritually.
Knowing that no matter what it is, that they are in your corner without expectations, and that everything will be completely confidential and will never let you down there. That person that cares for you enough to help in every way they can and will never leave your corner.
Do you know who is in your corner? Are you in someones corner? Are you willing to be there for someone and be in their corner? Is Christ in your corner?
Be that peace of mind for someone and be in their corner. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that you had someone in your corner? Who is the cornerstone of your life?
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Acceptance is a characteristic that all desire at some point in their lives. That feeling of approval that provides a sense of belonging.
Accepting someone for who they are, not for what they should be, or have; seeing the person for their physical being, their hearts and minds, their true inner self, and embracing them without expectations or judgement. Loving and caring for them, for their good sides and bad, their past and present lives, and supporting them no matter what, so that they may see and feel a true acceptance in life.
Being accepted without fear of judgment, condemnation, malice, failure and the sense of not measuring up can and will change a persons life.
Love and accept everyone as you would want them to do for you with an understanding, nurturing, kind heart and open mind.
Philippians 4:5 NIV Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
It is a major event in peoples lives. For some, it is surviving tragic events, cancer, other illnesses, or the loss of loved ones. For others, it is surviving struggles with physical, mental and emotional impairments. Then there are those that are surviving daily challenges in life such as unemployment, loss of income or barely making it, having a place to live, taking care of and feeding a family, staying healthy and surviving what the world throws at them.
Surviving is deep-seated in each person that takes a lot of effort, willpower, fear, desire, strength that you did not know that you even had, and a willingness to face and overcome something that is far bigger than you.
Being a survivor is much more than winning; it is the beginning of a new journey in your life. It changes your life forever and opens your mind, heart and spirit to the blessings in life that we take for granted everyday and a side of yourself that you may not even realize existed. It humbles you, teaches you lessons, and makes you stronger than you have ever been. Own it! You deserve it!
Being a survivor is one of the greatest blessings and gifts that is given to us.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Be the sticky note of life. Sticky notes are wonderful for keeping up with things, reminders, taking notes, and various other uses.
The best use of them is leaving little notes to friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, and strangers. Little love notes, words of encouragement, positive thoughts, bible verses, drawings like a smiley face, a kiss, something silly, or anything to brighten one’s day.
Leaving a sticky note in places, on the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, lunchboxes, backpacks, etc. is a great way to show someone that you care and miss them, or in places that strangers may find them so that it may bring joy to someones life.
Most do not walk around with a sticky note on their person, but being the sticky note adds a whole new level and is very personable.
Everything that you would write down, you can convey in person, by voice, with a smile, sign language and by acts of kindness, along with a gentle soothing word that can change the mindset and attitude of a person and make their day a happy one.
Be the sticky note and change a life and yours today.
Romans 12:10 NIV Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Being a mentor is a gift for both the mentor and the student. They are a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, motivational person, and a guide. It takes understanding, patience, a caring and loving attitude, and a desire to understand the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Learning their abilities or lack thereof, their personalities, capabilities, and the person as a whole, understanding that each person is different from anyone else and may need to learn by various means.
Then working with them, guiding, teaching, offering emotional support, advising, and providing wisdom that will mold and shape them to become the best person they can be on their journey in life.
Being a mentor to someone is an extraordinary blessing that takes desire, a willing attitude, a loving heart, dedication, and commitment.
Bless the mentors that helped change so many lives in the world and in so many ways.
Desire is created in the mind, grown within the heart, and fueled by the soul. It drives us to chase our dreams, challenge our limits, expand our capabilities, and grow from within. Desire can provide direction, paving the path to motivation, determination, a mental positive attitude, preserverance and the blessings of success.
Our shoulders are broad and we feel we can carry the weight of the world upon them. Yet in our darkest hour, in the midst of the storm, our knees crumble, and we discover our inner weakness. Our true strength comes when we surrender, trust, have faith, find comfort, and experience God’s peace.
Journey-of-Inspirations 