Investments

“All gave some.  Some gave all.”

Billy Ray Cyrus

“No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.”

John Donne

“Graduations are such emotional and rewarding events in life's journey. We all stand on the shoulders of so many that gave so much in our behalf.”

Jim Rogers, wise friend

With Memorial Day and graduations, it has been a good week to remember and reflect on the people who have invested their time, energy, and lives to make a difference in my life.  Once again, I am blessed that I don’t have to make this journey alone.  Because of the sacrifices of our military personnel, and their families, we continue to have our freedom, safety, and rights as Americans.  I am grateful for family, friends, teachers (both at church and school), pastors, youth ministers, medical personnel, neighbors, and colleagues who have been shoulders to lean on and stand on along my journey.  Each one has made a contribution to who I am today.  It’s also been a week to be thankful for the people who have invested in our three sons through the years and made a lasting difference in their lives.  Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and investment for our lives.  Through Him, we can each become the person God created us to be and encourage others to do the same. 

Every day, I also have the opportunity to invest in the lives of others.  Sometimes it may be for a brief moment while other times it may be for months or years.  When it comes time for our last breath on earth, it’s what we have invested in others that will make a lasting difference.  May our investments yield much gain this week, as well as in the months and years to come.  

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:40

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

I Thessalonians 5:11, 14, 15

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24a

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Philippians 5:1-5