It is easy to forget the fundamentals. I willingly admit that I am careless at times. Other weaknesses come into play. I often lack discipline. I struggle to hold onto my values. I tend forget the obvious. I find that experience, repetitive practice, and reminders are rarely enough. Coaches, mentors, and teachers help. Even with all the assist, I still forget much of the core. To be blunt, I need all the reinforcement I can muster.
Given the sales of teaching aids and swelling ranks of people involved in teaching, coaching, and support, I am not alone. Even the strongest find that more is possible.
As I reflect on recent days, I find many things we can do to help each other.
We can remind each other about the importance of compassion.
We can show each other what it means to love unconditionally.
We can give each other mercy, especially when we do not deserve it.
In each case, our lives will model, demonstrate, and deliver. Demonstrable action is at the heart. Delivery vehicles include our words, expressions, and decisions. Each uniquely paints a story and touches the lives around us.
It is easy to think that everyone can do it. They can, but often the process is a struggle. When someone says, “we're here today bringing you good news: the Message that what God promised the fathers has come true for the children—for us!” (Acts 13.32) What we experience is the heart’s struggle to deliver.
This is where reinforcement comes in. When you receive an act of kindness, give the same to someone else. Acknowledging compassion is good, yet being compassionate to another is the ultimate expression of thanks. Acceptance means little if others find that they are excluded.
You and I will have opportunities to build and reinforce the best in life. We can make the world a better place one choice at a time. Everything is possible in the moment at hand. We have freedom. We have the ability to decide. We can give to others what we have already received from God.
