Jill Johnson
By JILL JOHNSON
For several reasons, this has been an emotional week for me. I was thinking about life and the lessons I have learned, and keep learning over and over. In honor of my seven grandchildren, here are seven lessons I pray they learn and incorporate into their lives. Maybe they will resonate with you as well.
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Be Kind ALWAYS - I am old enough to know that everyone, everywhere, is going through something. Our job is to be kind. It doesn't cost you anything to be kind. In Proverbs 11:17, the Message translation says, "When you are kind to others, you help yourself; when you are cruel to others, you hurt yourself." Kindness nourishes your soul. People might forget your name, forget what you did, and forget your face, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Be remembered for your kindness.
- Laugh Often - There is nothing better than a good, hearty laugh. There are so many references to laughter in the Bible. Laughter is medicine for your soul and does your heart good. Ecclesiastes says there is a time to laugh. I married someone who knows how to make me laugh. Laughter has helped me cope with some very hard times in my life. Laughter can reduce your stress and ease your pain. Laugh hard, laugh often, and share that laughter with others.
- Don't Give Up - If something is hard, don't give up. Life is tough and there will be so many hard things thrown your way, but you must persevere. 2Chronicles 15:7 says, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." Keep pressing on. Keep working. Keep believing that you can do the hard things if you do not give up. Whatever you do, just don't give up.
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Hug Like You Mean It - Hug tightly! I can tell you there are very few things that make me feel better than a good, loving hug. A hug can speak volumes to others without saying a word. There is just something about a physical hug that makes you feel loved. God's Word is full of written hugs that will definitely make you feel loved. Fill yourself up with hugs from Scripture so you can share those hugs with others. Hug others with God's love verbally and physically. Hug like you mean it.
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Think of Others - We live in a "me" society. We are told to look out for ourselves. We are selfish people by nature and honestly, putting others first is not our top choice. Thankfully, we have the perfect example in Christ of how to love others and put their needs first. In Philippians 2:3-4, the Bible says, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others as more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests but also to the interest of others." Let people know you care. Think first of others' needs, feelings, and interest.
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Be an Encourager - A true word of encouragement can brighten your day and lift your spirits. Encouragement can make you feel motivated and loved. We all need encouraging. In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Bible says, "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Be the best you can be every single day because we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Don't wait to give out any encouragement. Be the encourager who gives freely to those who cross your path.
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Share Your Joy - You can be happy in this world, but true joy comes from knowing Jesus. The joy we have from knowing Jesus is the kind of joy that draws others in. It's joy that is still there, no matter your circumstances. You can pursue happiness, but you choose joy. We must choose joy for our journey. In Philippians 4:4, the Bible says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; rejoice." Joy is something we must choose to experience in our relationships, our work, our everyday life, and even when we have tough, hard days. Life might make you happy, but the joy you get from knowing Jesus will sustain your life. Share your joy with others.
These are things I would want my grandchildren to know, but actually they are good for all of us, including myself. Throughout our lives, we each will have our own individual situations to manage and many different voices trying to influence our lives. I think as believers, if we are kind, laugh often, never give up, freely share spiritual and physical hugs, think of others, be encouragers, and share our joy, we will reflect God's love in this world. I don't know about you, but I think this would make the world a little brighter. I'm praying that my life can shine with the love of Jesus, not just for my grandchildren, but for everyone I meet. What about you?
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
