The weekend is here and I am glad. Today I didn’t feel my best but I was surprisingly productive at work. My goal for the weekend is to do things that can give me comfort and some rest. Let’s see how it goes. Have a great weekend everyone.
I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity.
Julius Erving
Pardon me if this particular Saturday seems a little somber there is also some hope and perhaps some inspiration here.
At my friend’s funeral today, she was remembered fondly by her granddaughter and the minister for all the things in the gift that is life. It’s that memory that hopefully can give comfort and perhaps inspire us all to emulate the good things about that person.
Frances, who passed away on Wednesday was like an aunt to me. My grandmother and Frances were friends who did stuff like shopping together and enjoying fellowship in their church.
The big takeaway is that how much she did for others as a banker and worker in the church and with a local charity. In my life, I have tried to do things for others and think about serving where I could. After the funeral sermon today I feel like I have done good and I am doing good. Doing things that need doing are good things for all of us to do. I hope to honor those who have influenced me to do good by doing my best. Its all anyone can do in this life.
As a pastor, you get invited into the most poignant moments of people’s lives. Whether it’s a wedding or a funeral or a hospital visit, you get invited into the center of the event, whether or not you know the people.
Rob Bell
Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.
Resolving conflicts means taking your issues to those who are causing the problem. Sometimes it requires others to get involved to mediate and help facilitate reconciliation. So much of what we see is airing of grievances in the public spaces that it causes a bigger problem than there should be. Resolving issues requires listening, communication, patience. Sometimes it means a separation or an agreement to disagree but that should only come as a last resort. Hopefully all things are done from a place of respect and dignity. What the world needs now is people coming together when possible.
The Tony Burgess Blog 