When people are sad, I don't pretend to feel the depth of their sadness ...yet, I do have reverent respect for feelings that are searching to heal. And I do also want others to be able to become better and healthier people. The problem is, when people strive to excel in not doing well, and look down on those who do well. There seems to be a comradery among those who look down at most anything, and pride themselves in having a rougher go of it than the average person ...which is mostly an average within their own expectations, or those around them, not a true average around the world. And this only fuels negative feelings. What then are we to do??

When others feel joy, I smile ...and when they sing, if the song touches the heart, I want to sing along.

I never aspired to be a singer, as I am somewhat the opposite of Mel Tillis.  He was a singer who stuttered when he talked, yet could sing beautifully, without flaw.

If I try to sing in front of anyone, I don't stutter ...but, I consider it worse, as I can get no breath at all. Though I can't say I talk flawlessly either; so can't say I'm the opposite of Mel.  All I can say is, I could never aspire to being a singer, or a public speaker.  Yes, I know the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  So, perhaps the fact that He hasn't strengthened me in that area was the very grace He has extended to you.

If I couldn't see the people ...if I were perhaps somehow secretly filmed, and they could see me afterwards (on film), perhaps I could aspire to be an actor.  But, throw that idea out ...I would have difficulty playing another, when I can barely be myself.

So. if I am confused what I am to myself ...what am I to others??

With everything stripped away ...we can either become more ourselves, or become radically not ourselves.

But, the error is in attempting to be ourselves ...instead of being who God wants us to be, and that also often becomes clearer without the distractions of life.  Yet, also realize that being ourselves is often who God wants us to be ...as He molded us this way.  That works best though, when we allow ourselves to be like an empty mold, to be filled with Him, to be in His image. Though we are in one way ...but filthy rags, we allow ourselves to accept His new linens.  The filthy rags should not be considered our main assets.

It is easier to see a simple lamp table in a large room when the room is not filled with other furniture.

When Jesus said He had no place to rest His head ...there was no other furniture.

When anyone saw Jesus, they were shown what He wanted them to see. Yet, that does not mean that everyone saw what He wanted them to see.

Many saw themselves in Jesus, or more accurately, Jesus in themselves ...with a new perspective to be happy about it.

Others saw Jesus as a threat to the false happiness they had built around themselves ...always strive to feed what would never last.

Still others desired to see again the foundations of King David, and the kingdom-building success of Solomon ...while too quickly rejecting anything less.

The heart of the average person is to want what is the best for their wife, and good for the children ...and today, that seems common to mean a fancy car, and a large house filled with much modern furniture.

We are shown enough examples in this life today ...of those distracted by fine furniture.

Mine, on the other hand, is at times considered  laughable ...or more accurately, worth a  few tears at times. But I view it as no disfavor to our children.

It is easier to relate to all seasons of economy ...to be able to smile, and tell others of a future wealth in Heaven.  And it seems that others do not laugh at that as much ...but can see the sincere joy.

How can they but see it?? ...it's the only Light in the room.

Besides, especially with young children ...who knows of any who have much more than the least respect for fine furniture, nor should they.

Children prefer fine moments ...often with poor furniture.