LIVING FRUITFULLY/LIVING FAITHFULLY

While I am not a very big Chuck (Charles) Swindoll follower, I caught a piece on the radio this morning that gave me pause for further reflection. It was entittled "Come Home...To Your Heart". In this insight for living was 4 pillars of wisdom to help us keep family and friends first while building a happy life rooted in our values and principles. I would like to share those gems including my further reflections on them as wisdom for us all:

1. THINK FAMILY and FRIENDS

All of our thougts, activities and endeavors should be followed by the questions: How will this enrich the lives of those I love and care about? Will this activity strengthen family bonds or put further stress on them? How will my friendships become more meaningfull and faithful through this endeavor?

2. SAY NO

Our lives are busy in this post-modern world. We have work obligations, volunteer obligations, family obligations, and the list goes on. If we're faith filled people this characteristic will show and act as a magnet to other groups and organizations that see us as a good "fit". With family and friends in mind, consider if these new committments, however valuable, are really a good use of our time. Will it add to family life or take us away for yet one more thing? Learn to say no. Take on only those things that brings life to you, your family and your friends.

3. TAKE TIME

Make sure that "time" is factored into your daily living. Take an opportunity to go for a walk and hold hands with your significant other; give your kids a hug; take your dog for a walk; meet your friend for a coffee. You will find that this is time well spent!

4. BE PATIENT

Rome wasn't built in a day - neither will a healthy, happy life be built in a day. Perservere in prayer, be faithful and vigilant in your relationships, give generously to your faith community, and know that God will work through you to bring all things to completion and provide a sense of meaning for your life.

I think that these 4 pillars of "wisdom" for daily living will undoubtedly be a way of living faithfully in the midst of our ordinary living.

Peace.