It Could've Been Worse

Whenever we think about our lives, we seldom think about how good we actually have it.  We often get caught up in the things that I don't have, not the things that we have already been blessed with.  We rely too much on finding happiness in the material things in life and not the simple things.

We complain about the cost of gas without thinking that some people would die to be able to have a car and pay that $3.50 a gallon.  People fail to think about those people who have to walk in the hot sun to and from work.  We complain about our jobs when we are in an air-conditioned building all day, there are people who are out in the heat of the day just slaving away getting paid less than us and we think we have it bad.  We complain about the rent being too expensive and how it's not worth how much we pay.  We often forget that there are people who are homeless and living on the streets of huge cities without food or anything to drink.  Their homes are cardboard boxes or sleeping bags and although we may have springs sticking out of our bed, we still have a place that we can call our own at the end of the night.  We complain about light bills, there are people who don't even have lights.  Think about that before you open your mouth to complain.  Give thanks for the things that we have, don't complain about the things that we can't have.  There are people who would kill for the things that we take for granted on a daily basis.

We complain about how hard life is and talk about how much we have been through.  A lot of us honestly have no clue how hard life can be.  Next time you think you have a headache or a small pain, think of the following two stories.

Years ago, Randy Seals was in a serious car accident and broke several bones in his body.  He was in a coma for approximately six weeks and the doctor told his wife that if he were to live, he would be a vegetable and would not be able to do anything on his own.  He asked his wife if she wanted to pull the plug and end Randy's life.  His wife made the decision that she was going keep him on life support and give it to God.  Not only did that decision impact his family's life, it impacted mine.  Randy Seals is now the pastor of Cherry Grove Baptist Church which is the church I attend.  He has been there over a year now and is truly a living testimony.  He is not just a wonderful pastor, but a role model and friend.  He has affected my life tremendously and I thank God for him.

Bennie Harris was also involved in a serious car accident in the mid 1990's.  He fell asleep at the wheel and totaled not only his vehicle, but his body as well.  His main injury was a broken neck and many didn't know if he would be able to function correctly.  He endured many surgeries and rehabilitation and eventually came to a full recovery.  From that day forward, his life was turned around.  I did not know him at the time, but this man ended up becoming my step-dad.  He is truly the hardest working person that I know.  I would give everything to know half of the things he knows how to do.  He is the definition of Mr. Fix-it.  Although he is not my biological father, God has given me the best father figure that I could have ever asked for.

Be Blessed

"Embrace your struggle, because no matter what, it could've been worse." - Lyfe Jennings

This blog is dedicated to my step-father Bennie Harris and Pastor Randy Seals.

It Could've Been Worse - Lyfe Jennings

The Foundation Of Friendship

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.” 

Every time I turn around I see someone getting married;  I turn around again and I see a divorce.  People are in such a rush to have someone to fall in love that they forget to build a strong foundation.  That foundation shouldn't be partying, money, security or sex:  the foundation of a relationship is a strong friendship.

"We come to love not by finding a perfect person but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." - Unknown

When a relationship first begins, the label boyfriend/girlfriend is given and too often the word "friend" is forgotten.  When you take those vows, you take on the label of husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife (Don't want to leave anyone out) and the word friend is gone but it shouldn't be forgotten.  A true marriage should consists of two people that are best friends. 

“A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.” - Andre Maurois

A couple should be able to just have fun by being in each other's presence.  If you can lounge around with that person all day and still have the time of your life, you know that's something special.  When you think about that person and you can't help but to smile.  Although he/she may not be "perfect", they should be perfect of you.

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” - Winnie the Pooh

A marriage should be thought of as something that's going to last forever.  Before you say "I do.", you should be 171% sure that you want to be with that person for the rest of your life.  Don't rush into a marriage, you have the rest of your life to find that perfect person for you.  Take time to build that friendship, that perfect foundation, because there are going to be many obstacles along the way but you have to get over them together.  Not if, but when times problems occur, don't be afraid to discuss them but an argument isn't necessary.  But most importantly, find that companion.  When you say "I do.", remember that it's forever and no matter how frustrated/annoyed/angry/upset/displeased (and whatever else you want to put there) you get with that person, you can work it out with just that small amount of effort.  

You don't need someone that's going to walk behind you or in front of you, find that person that's going to walk beside you for the rest of your life.

TRUST, COMMUNICATION, FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE

When A Man Loves A Woman - Michael Bolton

God Bless