Relationships

 Nancy Williams is a regular reader of this column. Recently she sent me a few words that provokes me to think about them.

 TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF A SISTER OR BROTHER, ASK SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T HAVE ONE. Sibling rivalry goes back as far as Cain and Abel. It can result in bitterness and estrangement. That’s always sad. But opportunity of friendship and shared experiences is worth the effort to transcend differences.

 Single children must compensate to get what siblings have naturally.

 TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF TEN YEARS, ASK A NEWLY DIVORCED COUPLE.

Collateral damage is usually understood in the context of war and bombings. But it is also evident in the fallout of divorce. It is easily grasped when there are young children involved. They often feel responsible for the break-up.

 Even divorce after one year affects the lives of family members and friends. Vested interest in a marriage of means and memories is worthy to be a high priority.

 All bets are off if the fracturing was caused by violence.

 TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF NINE MONTHS, ASK A MOTHER WHO HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO A STILLBORN. 

It’s been said often that if men were to be the giver of birth, there would only be one birth in all families. 

 As a minister, the most difficult of funerals was always for a stillborn or the death of a young child. No words seem adequate to comfort the ache in the hearts of the parents.

 I an appalled at those who voice the callused words of “it was God’s will.” However, it is true that only God’s presence and the words of friends can ease the pain.

 TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF ONE YEAR, ASK A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN HOSPITALIZED FOR TWELVE MONTHS. An overnight or weekend is bad enough. But consider the food, a sense of helplessness and impersonal treatment is a torment.

 If possible one should make plans to participate in the rehab. Not only physically but mentally as well.  Seeking advice for ways to strengthen the immune system is not only wise but smart. It will make the months fly by.

 TO REALIZE THE MEANING OF LIFE READ THE PARABLES OF JESUS AND STUDY THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. E. Stanley Jones gave this insight a few years ago. “Jesus is the best photograph God ever had taken.” His words and behavior not only tell us about Him but gives us knowledge about God.

 

 The Parable of the Prodigal Son speaks of the nature of God that “runs” to welcome the prodigal. The Good Samaritan reminds us of the priority of compassion if we are to emulate              Jesus. The Mount Sermon speaks of love, forgiveness, tolerance, perseverance and happiness.

 TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF A FRIEND OR A FAMILY MEMBER, LOSE ONE BY ACCIDENT OR NATURAL CAUSES. George Burns use to say that he read the obituary page every day. If his name wasn’t there, he would get up. This action becomes more apparent the older one gets.

 To see the ages of the deceased that are younger than me is depressing. To see those ten to twenty years older is encouraging.

 I like what Satchel Paige use to say. “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”

 TO REALIZE THE VALUE OF ONE SECOND, ONE MINUTE OR MORE, ASK A PERSON WHO SURVIVED AN ACCIDENT OR MISSED A TRAIN.   Time waits for no one. The adage is as old as time itself. Treasure every moment that you have. No one can guarantee the next hour let alone tomorrow.

 A wise person has said, “You will treasure time even more when you can share it with someone special.” Sharing always makes things easier.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.