Emblazoned Days

Think of a special day in your life that remains emblazoned upon your memory because of it's significance. You know you will never forget it because of it's impact. But why not make every day a day of significance? I must admit, there are far too many days that pass without reference because I failed to utilize them to their full. While I thank God for each day, sadly, I squander. Oh - what a waste to squander a gift so precious and rare - for it will not come again and I've no idea what tomorrow holds.

I will set out to bless and accomplish at least one thing that will emblazon this date in my heart! And as a reminder - you can't go wrong with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a:

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸Love never fails.

Lift One Another Up

You can stand tall without standing on someone.
You can be a victor without having victims.
-Harriet Woods

This sentiment appears on the signature block of a business acquaintance and I’ve always loved it. If we are lifting others (each other) up then there are no victims… we are all victors in rising. For when we lift another – our hands are raised skyward acknowledging our “smallness,” and at the same time our strength in the lifting. And sometimes, we have to allow others to lift us.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. (Ecclesiates 4:10a)

A smile sent our way should never go unanswered – it should always be a dual blessing – though we should never expect its return to us. Some things naturally return to us in kind or in multitude simply because we’ve been the first to offer it. The shy and uncertain need to be bolstered by the light of your eye, acknowledgement and dawn of a bright smile.


I try to put this to practice – even with strangers – if someone looks lovely in something – why not say so? In the withholding, we’ve withheld love and kindness. I believe these things dawn on us because we are meant to share them. Even the man or woman who appears to have it all together may only be holding on by a thread. So lift high your beautiful smile, kind words and your neighbor today. Enjoy!