Grandma's Game Plan...A Life in Right Focus

Growing up I did not have the opportunity to know my maternal grandmother; she died before I was born, when my mom was only 17. However, many times my mom would tell me something her mom said to her when she was growing up. So, in many ways, I feel I can picture the woman my grandmother was - especially when looking at the woman my mom is today! One of those "words of wisdom" I regularly remember is to focus on others instead of myself whenever I am depressed or down. It is amazing how easily we become consumed with ourselves - our struggles, our problems, our worries, our fears! I have taken this advice to heart on many different occasions and it has made a big difference in my life. When we focus on others, our problems seem to fade. In reality, we know nothing really changes our situation but our focus shifts from "all about me" to "all about others!" Isn't that the way it should be? God has put us on earth to share Jesus with others; there are many ways we can do this and service is a big one.

God reminds us in Matthew 25:34-40, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

The next time you are feeling overwhelmed with your situation in life, I encourage you to take the advice of my grandma and experience the blessing of serving to others!

Kim