Month: April 2026

I attended a very small, private elementary school out in the country. At the beginning of each school year, the teachers would haul out the same old eye chart to test the vision of all the students. My vision was not good, but I hated the thought of wearing glasses. I thought the other kids would make fun of me and call me “four eyes”. So I memorized that eye chart, and passed my vision test each year, despite my fuzzy eyesight.

That worked until seventh grade. The school crossed me up by using a new eye chart. I was busted. My near-sightedness was diagnosed, and I had to wear glasses. I was miserable, until I put those glasses on. I was amazed at what I was missing. I could see the blackboard clearly, I could see cars on the road outside the building, during recess I could see the baseball so much better on the playground. I did take a little teasing, but the improved vision was well worth it.

Sometimes the thing you most fear turns out to be the blessing you don’t expect.

I’m fascinated by this relatively new phenomenon in our culture known as “influencers”. Thousands of people making money simply by posting their endorsement of products, and sharing their opinions on social media platforms about things they have purchased. Apparently, the public really is influenced by these folks, some of whom have an incredible number of followers.

It occurs to me that all of us are influencers. The way we act, the way we treat people, the language we use, and our kindness. or lack of it, to others sets an example its in own small way. You may feel anonymous, but you’d probably be surprised at how many folks notice the way you live your life. You will leave an impression. You have the power to brighten somebody’s day with a smile, a pleasant word or an act of kindness.

Now that’s what I call influence.

Pick out one person you know you are going to see today. Then think of something nice you can tell them. A compliment, or an expression of appreciation, something that will build them up. Could be anything. You know them. You know what they want to hear. Be their little, perhaps unexpected, blessing today.

They will probably smile, say thank you, and humbly brush it off as if to say “it’s no big deal”. Trust me. It’s a big deal. They will remember your acknowledgement all day, and it will lift them up. They may not show it. They may think it’s “uncool” to show it, but they will feel it.

But be intentional about this. Plan it ahead of time. Do this at least once every day. You’ll be a light in so many lives. And you will find yourself glowing as well.

Recently I have had a series of friends and acquaintances pass away. Weird how it seems to happen in bunches. I find myself going to way too many funerals and visitations. I have observed how various people deal with the loss of a loved one at these services. Some are tearful and quiet, some are smiling and talkative.

I suspect a lot has to do with the life lived by the deceased. Family members who know their departed one is in heaven are clearly able to handle the loss with a higher level of peace and consolation. They are sad, of course, but they understand their sadness is for themselves, not the one who is in the presence of God. That makes a difference.

It should reinforce our resolve to make sure those we care about know the path to heaven. There is only one. When your time has come, make sure everyone knows where you are, and how they can join you one day.

Find time to do what you love. I know you’re busy. Life places all kinds of demands on you, especially if you are still working full time. That’s okay if you love your work, but surveys show only about one in three Americans love their jobs. Another one out of three say they are okay with their jobs, but don’t love them, and about another third don’t like, or hate their work.

It’s important you figure out what you love to do, and find at least some time to do it. It doesn’t have to be important. It doesn’t have to change the world. Just has to be something that brings you joy. Might be reading a book, playing with grandkids, working out, binging your favorite TV show, crossword puzzles, bible study, whatever. Spending time doing what you love will bring you peace, balance and perspective.

Don’t let your life get bogged down with things you don’t like. It’s a recipe for depression.

I’m having trouble adjusting to the concept that breakfast cereal is no longer considered healthy for me. I grew up filling my bowl every morning with Frosted Flakes, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, Wheaties and Rice Crispies. My best morning friends were Tony the Tiger, Snap, Crackle & Pop, and Lucky the Leprechaun. The boxes told me that cereal was full of oats and wheat and, combined with whole milk, would help me grow up to be big and strong.

Now they say cereal is terrible for you. Full of sugar and processed ingredients. Instead they recommend high fiber, high protein, low sugar products. I’ve tried them. It’s like eating wood chips. Next thing you know, they’ll be telling me that big glass of orange juice I drank every morning was bad. Oh wait, they already have. Again, too much sugar.

I don’t know what to eat for breakfast anymore. Guess I have to switch to something else. Maybe a nice big chocolate muffin.

When I’m driving, I always look forward to getting out of the city, because then I can put my car on cruise control. From that point forward, I don’t have to worry about speed. I can focus on traffic and road conditions. I might also be able to sneak a glance at something interesting on the roadside (although just a very quick glance), or carry on a conversation with a passenger. Whatever I focus on, I know I don’t have to worry about going too fast. The car has that covered.

Putting your faith in Jesus can work the same way. He can be your cruise control. Whatever you may be dealing with in life, no matter what the adversity, at least you don’t have to worry about your eternal future. He’s got that covered.

With Him, you know you’ll always reach your ultimate destination safely.

Will today be a good day or a bad day for you? Actually, it will be what you make it. Don’t let the quality of this day be determined by what happens to you. Make what happens to you be of high quality. Control your time. Set a goal that brings you joy today, and accomplish it. Doesn’t have to be momentous or life changing. Could be a small thing, or a list of small things. Just strive to get them done before you go to bed tonight.

Do a volunteer job, visit or contact a sick or lonely friend, get that lawn mowed or that flower bed weeded, go to the gym and work out, play pickleball, finish reading that inspirational book, play with your grandkids. If you’re working, compliment your co-workers, turn criticism into patient kindness. Set a classy and humble example.

Doing stuff like this will bring you warm and positive vibes regardless of whatever adversity comes along. People love to say goodbye by chortling “have a nice day”. Just remember, you can make it so.

One of the highlights of every spring for me is the blooming of our daffodils. As soon as the weather shows a hint of warming up, they emerge and blossom into their bright yellow glory, lighting up the side of our home with lush color. Sadly, they last in full bloom only a couple of weeks. Then they wilt and gradually disappear, not to be seen again until another year passes.

So I try to make it a point to admire them every precious day they are on display, because they will soon be gone. If that concept is true for mere flowers, how much more should we value our family and friends? We should value and love them up every precious day, because, one day, they too may be gone.

Or you might be.

I so admire people who have the gift of patience. Sharon and I pulled up to the menu board of a fast food restaurant recently. I ordered, and then we drove around to wait in line for the window. The line was slow. Actually, it wasn’t moving at all. We just sat there, with three cars ahead of us, nobody getting food.

I lasted about three minutes. Then I began drumming my fingers on the steering wheel, shifting in my seat, letting out deep sighs of frustration. By the time five minutes had passed, I was like a caged animal, grousing and complaining about incompetence and poor management. We weren’t even really in a hurry. it just seemed like minutes of my life being wasted.

Meanwhile, Sharon had pulled out her phone and was calmly browsing the internet, perfectly content and unstressed. Waiting is no problem. How do you do that? I really want to learn how to become more patient like her. And I want to learn it right now.