Many People are Experiencing Hurt

 The Hurt That So Many People Are Experiencing...

When I was little my grandmother used to say that every 'crack teeth is not a smile'. Now I understand what she meant. You see so many people who 'show their teeth' as if they are happy. Many are not.

Many people give a 'fake' smile to throw others off. They don't really want anyone to know how much they are hurting.

I can recall the times when I saw some of my friends laughing out loud while in the crowd, but when they felt no one was looking the sadness took over. If you looked closer you could actually see the tears glistening in their eyes.

Despite all of this it is my belief that happiness starts within yourself. External factors may appear to contribute but it is always how you perceive and interact with whatever life throws at you.

In my profession as an educator, there were many days when I had to ensure that my students got something to eat. At times I would make sandwiches for them, purchase soups or just call home and ask one of my children to send me something for them. At other times I would just send a student to my home to fix something for a number of them to eat.

I made it a point to treat my homeroom class to a full meal as often as possible. I only asked that they pay it forward.

Today if we recall the parable of the Good Samaritan we will all remember that we are capable of doing good for anyone...

So, yea, in this Holy Week as we trace the walk from Palm Sunday through the crucifixion on 'Good Friday' to that Glorious Easter morn, let's remember that we are truly our brothers'/sisters' keeper.

Let's lift up those around us who are hurting.

God Bless.

Death...

 Right now, I reflect on death. Well, it is something that every family would encounter. 

Despite that fact, not all of us can say, 'I know how your feel.' It may not be the truth.

In the past four days, I learned about the death of one of my students, then within an hour about the death of a family member's mother, followed closely by news of the death of the mother of one of my dearest friends. 

Added to the deaths, because I live on a small island, I learned of friends who had to be flown to the capital city for medical reasons; heart attacks, respiratory discomfort, possible cancer. It seems as if everywhere one turns there are heartache and pain.

Yet there is a silver lining out there. There is a healer for the sick and a comforter for those in mourning. You may call Him God, Yahew, Jehovah, Allah, Jah... He is the one we can turn to for ultimate comfort.

In a week from Sunday Christians will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ...That tells us there is hope.

There is life beyond the grave.

In All Things and in all Situations ... Give Thanks... Show gratitude.

 Well... in my Blogging, I had 14 December as my date to write. I did not. Why? My Facebook account was hacked.

Today, I am officially putting that behind me and allowing the Universe, Karma, God to take care of that 'hacker'.

It's March 22nd, 2021. A new day, a new week.

There is so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to.

What are you grateful for?

Is it the fact that you are alive and in good health?

Is it the fact that you have someplace to live, be it a home of your own, an apartment, a room in someone else's home?

Is it the fact that you have access to the COVID 19 Vaccine?

Is it the fact that you are one of the lucky people who have had the vaccine?

Is it the fact that you are bringing value to someone else, be it an elderly relative, a child in need, a stranger who needs directions?

Is it a beautiful day, sunshine, rain, what is it?

Is it the fact that you were able to eat today?

Is it the ability to see, to hear, to smell the freshness around you, to feel the breeze/sunshine on your face, is it tasting that meal your family member just fixed?

Is it the fact that you can read? Understand what you read? 

Is it that you are in school, in the physical space instead of being home and using a device?

2020 showed us the creation that we can no longer take anything for granted.

Upon awaking do you now remember to say thanks for the present of a new day?

As you go through your day, do you thank the waitress who served you at your favourite restaurant that you can now eat at, although social distancing?

As the day becomes night do you say thanks for the fact that you are still alive?

Bottom line, has 2020 taught you to become more grateful than ever?

Think about these things and if you haven't, start giving thanks.