For Goodness Sake

While speaking with a friend this morning, a subject was touched on that I have pondered on many times in the past and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you. Feel free to let me know what you think.

Through my own experiences I have found that when offering to help someone or just offering to do something for someone, they often reply with "Oh thank you, but I don't need help" or "Oh, I don't want to impose on you! You shouldn't do that." To my shame, I also have responded in this way many times.

In Galations 1:2, we read: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. And in verse 10, we read: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

In Philippians 2:3-4, we read: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

And so, my thought (or question) is this. Could I hinder someone's personal growth and cause them to stumble, if everytime they offer a helping hand or desire to do something kind and good, I shut them down and do not give them opportunity to do so? Human nature is such that upon consistent rejection many will tend to stop offering deeds of kindness. Also, if I consistently reject help or kindness, am I really proclaiming I am not in need at all? Do I not need God? Do I not need my fellow brethren? Did not Christ organize His church in such a way as to provide one another with help and encouragement??

This is not to say that there are times and situations, when one just needs to tackle something on his own. And yes, there are times when, for practical purposes, one cannot help. Good sense and a desire to do what is good and right has to come into play.

So the next time someone offers to help you or do something good and kind toward you, graciously accept with a smile and thank God for dwelling in them. And do the same; offer to help someone in need or just do something kind and good to a fellow human being.

A Touch of Spring

A Touch of Spring, wc, 11 x 15

A tribute to my dear internet friend, Taylor Bush, who has encouraged me along in so many ways. I have learned so much from her! Visit her wonderful website at http://zoeartist.net

Family, 75 years, & Deer

On Saturday we drove to my parents home and my brothers and wives, nieces and nephews, etc. all converged on my father for his surprise 75th birthday party. My mother had planned it well and he was truly surprised. We all had alot of fun and enjoyed a nice lunch together. We had never been able to get everyone together all at the same time, so it was wonderful to grab a photo while we had the chance. I think, most importantly, my father had a wonderful time! Below is the painting that my mother commissioned me to paint for him. I have never done a landscape and this one was quite a challenge with the rainbow. I know it needs alot of work on the values, but after several attempts, my time (and patience) had run out. It does look very nice framed and matted. Dad likes it and that is what is important to me.
Yesterday afternoon I was pleasantly surprised as I stepped out on our deck! Our little deer friends were back and grazing in the yard below. I have not seen them in a few months.