The Memorial Plaque for Veterans

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One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex was staring up at the large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.

The seven-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, “Good morning Alex.” “Good morning Pastor,” replied the young man, still focused on the plaque.

“Pastor McGhee, what is this?” Alex asked. “Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.” Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex’s voice was barely audible when he asked, “Which service, the 9:00 or the 11:00?”

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Finish Strong

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“Regardless of what came before or of what has yet to come, what matters most right now is how I choose to respond to the challenge before me. Will I lie down or will I fight? The choice is mine and I choose to finish strong.” – Dan Green

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No Charge

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My little boy came into the kitchen this evening while I was fixing supper. And he handed me a piece of paper he’d been writing on. So, after wiping my hands on my apron, I read it, and this is what it said:

  • For mowing the grass, $5.
  • For making my own bed this week, $1.
  • For going to the store $.50.
  • For playing with baby brother while you went shopping, $.25.
  • For taking out the trash, $1.
  • For getting a good report card, $5.
  • And for raking the yard, $2.

Well, I looked at him standing there expectantly, and a thousand memories flashed through my mind. So, I picked up the paper, and turning it over, this is what I wrote:

  • For the nine months I carried you, growing inside me, No Charge.
  • For the nights I sat up with you, doctored you prayed for you, No charge.
  • For the time and the tears, and the cost through the years, No Charge.
  • For the nights filled with dread, and the worries ahead, No Charge.
  • For advice and the knowledge, and the cost of your college, No Charge.
  • For the toys, food and clothes, and for wiping your nose, No Charge.
  • Son, when you add it all up, the full cost of my love is No Charge.

Well, when he finished reading, he had great big tears in his eyes. And he looked up at me and he said, “Mama, I sure do love you.” Then he took the pen and in great big letters he wrote, PAID IN FULL.

“No Charge” was written by Gospel singer Shirley Ceasar. It was also a country song produced by Howard-Sony Tree Publishing Co., Inc. and sung by Melba Montgomery.

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Valuable Lessons to Teach

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“One should pay attention to even the smallest crawling creature for these too may have a valuable lesson to teach us.” – Black Elk

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I Am Thankful…

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For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes– Because that means he is at home not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay– Because it means I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party– Because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug– Because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work– Because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing– Because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government– Because it means we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot– Because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill– Because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church who sings off key– Because it means I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing– Because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day– Because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours– Because it means I am alive.

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Seeing the Big Picture

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“Many of us seem to have an endless to-do list. But does all that rushing around stop us from seeing the big picture? Taking a moment to step back from our day-to-day schedules can help us simplify our lives… and maybe even help us to identify what we are missing to keep us energized and fulfilled.” – David Zerfoss

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That’s Because It’s Empty

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A little girl went up to her mother one day while holding her stomach saying, “Mommy, my stomach hurts.” Her mother replied, “That’s because it’s empty, you have to put something into it!” She then prepared a bowl of soup.

Later that day when the pastor and his wife were over for dinner. The pastor began to feel bad. Holding his head he said, “I have such a terrible headache!” The little girl looked up at him, giving him the sweetest smile that any little child could give. Then she said, “That’s because it’s empty, you have to put something into it!”

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What Are You Doing for Others?

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“Every person must decide at some point whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgement. Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others.'” –  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

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