An Empathic Heart

Do you ever feel like the one:
-watching as another receives a promotion?
-that is the bridesmaid, never the bride?
-gawking at a brand new car your friend purchased?
-observing all the blessings of another?

We easily fall into 'pity parties' for ourselves as another's life looks much more glamorous.  Our days become monotonous.  Our surroundings seem hopeless, lacking joy.  When you look in the mirror, can you smile and praise God for your current life?

I pray you are able to see with every breath you draw, you are blessed tremendously.  We must never compare the inside of ourselves to the outside of another.  In this life, there will always be someone better, smarter and one who encounters less troubles.  With each trial you go through, God is strengthening you to work for Him.  I see this as an honor, the greatest job of all. 

"Look on our shield, O God;
   look with favor on your anointed one.

 Better is one day in your courts
   than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
   than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
   the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
   from those whose walk is blameless."

(Psalm 84:9-11)

I receive invitations for self 'pity parties' daily.  I attend these too often.  Instead of attending, I must turn to prayer.  Pray for the person receiving the promotion, pray for the bride (for she is taking on a huge job of training a boy), pray the person driving the new vehicle and praise God for blessing one of His Children.  Failing to pray for others stops progression in my walk with God.  It also steals the joy of the recipient for they see the jealousy and anger on my face.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." (Romans 12:9-10)

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

(Romans 12:12)

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:14-16)

God does not intend for His Children to work against each other.  The recipient shall not boast or tear others down as a result of their blessings.  Share with one another the joys in life.  Be happy for your friends and build them up with every word said, every action done. 

We do not have time to compete with one another here on Earth.  We must daily be God's Hands and Feet so to spread the Truth to those searching souls.  Each person needs to hear the Truth, seeing the peace we posses because He loves us.  Though all the questions and concerns of people vary, one answer still remains - Jesus.  Guide each other to the Him.

So, forget the promotion, the ring and dress, the Corvette and the blessings of another; simply keep focused on His work for your life.  Do not RSVP to any 'pity parties'.  Be empathic to all His Children.  Love one another as He has loved you.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for each breath I take.  May I be a vessel for You every day I receive here.  May I see Your Children as You see them so as to share in their happiness and not be consumed with jealousy or anger.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig