Free From Hatred
On July 4, my friend shared this on Facebook. For most it was a day of celebration, but for Lisa it was a painful remembrance of her son’s life. He would have been 28. Justin battled Leukemia and went to be with the Lord as a teenager. Here is what she posted…
Lisa Solis DeLong shared Slacker and Steve’s photo.
Found this on my Jessica’s FB. Timely day to read it and feel the truth to it.
One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries – Most never happens.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.
…I cannot think of anything more painful for a parent than to endure the death of a child. Lisa has used this agonizing experience to comfort others who suffer loss. Since her son’s graduation to heaven, Lisa has helped numerous families. She is an inspiration to me and countless others by writing a book about her experience, serving as a grief counselor, and maintaining an attitude of thanksgiving. Her book is titled Blood Brothers.
Whatever your challenges today, think of people like Lisa and how they persevere by looking to the God of all hope, forgiveness, and love. Love others, forgive others, and never harbor bitterness in your heart.
