...whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Philippians 4:8 ESV
"If you ever stop moving, you'll never get up again." My older friend scoots to the edge of her seat and pulls herself up to standing with her walker. Stooped from the passing of time and the unfortunate and disabling consequences of an injury to her back and painful recovery from unsuccessful surgery, she slowly makes her way across the room.
Never does she complain. She's grateful for all that is lovely and good, and she moves forward the best she knows how - thinking about what she knows to be true - that God is always good and He answers her prayers.
She appreciates good literature and the gift of technology that makes books available when trips to a bookstore or library are not possible. And though she's unable to drive a car or go outside - knowing that there's beauty beyond the doors and windows of her home brings her joy in the remembering as she thinks about these things.
She's been cultivating an eye for life's mercies - seeing the flowers above the weeds.
She's my personal cheerleader and coach - forwarding encouraging messages that turn her thoughts and mine toward all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise - that both of us will see past life's difficulties - grateful for God's goodness to us, His beloved daughters.
What about you? Do you have a personal cheerleader? Is there someone in your life that encourages you to think about these things?
