Let People Be..

February 13 

The wise man, the true friend, the finished character we seek everywhere and only find in fragments. Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Where, oh where, is that perfect person? Surely, I will find someone who is everything I want. Maybe this one. Or that one. How noble the quest for perfection sounds. Why was there always something wrong with people? After all, I wouldn’t do that, tut. Or this, tsk. Today I have climbed down from my “rightness” perch and I enjoy people as they are. I am free to laugh, especially at myself, to join in the storytelling, the kidding, the jokes. I accept and love people as they are because I can accept and love myself.

 For today: As I free myself of self-absorption, I put aside being right and reach out with warmth to another person.

FEBRUARY 13.... HOW TO AVOID BEING DISAPPOINTED BY PEOPLE

 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. —JOHN 2:24–25

 I remember a time when I was hurt and disappointed by someone I love, but it was my own fault. It took me a while to realize that, but now I am actually glad I had the experience because it reminded me of something that is important for each of us. Jesus trusted His disciples, but He did not totally depend on them, nor did He expect them never to let Him down or disappoint Him. He knew they had weaknesses and that it was impossible for them to always be what He needed them to be. Anytime we totally depend on another human being, we put ourselves in a position to be hurt. Only God can be totally depended on. He alone deserves all of our trust, reliance, and dependence. I love my husband and my children very much, and they are all very good to me, but each of them does disappoint me at times, just as I am sure that I disappoint them. Let me ask you: What are you expecting from your family and friends? Today is a good day to make sure that God is the only One you lean on, rely on, and trust completely. Trust people, but don’t expect them to be perfect. We are all flawed human beings. 

“Father, I ask that You would always help me remember to only put all of my trust and confidence in You. You alone are perfect in all of Your ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”