Temporary or Not

Last Monday's post, "Expect an Unexpected Monday" was the most read Monday Gravy post ever!

In the past, you may have rolled out of bed at the last second, after hitting the snooze button five times. You were too tired to brush your teeth, so you murdered your morning breath with mouthwash. You threw a wet sock in the dryer to "iron" your clothes, while you took an extra long shower. You went to McDonald's drive-thru for your coffee. Then you went to work in a great mood.

But last week, a bunch of you started your day reading the Gravy. You are dropkicking the Sunday Hangover!

Monday sets the tone for the rest of your workweek. Start Monday off badly and you might as well flush the rest of the week down the pooper.

That's why Monday is one of your greatest opportunities to influence those around you positively. Many of these people need to be influenced and so do you.

What better way to influence someone than with love?

Something amazing about Jesus is how he dealt with people. He knew everything about them, but that didn't stop him from allowing them to affect him emotionally. He was all-knowing and all-loving.

Whenever there is a problem, I often tell people, "Everything is temporary."

My wife hates this saying.

Whenever she worries about something I say, "Everything is temporary, you won't worry about this tomorrow." I know, I'm sensitive and she's blessed.

This is my way of saying, "You shouldn't worry, so let's not talk about it." Why? Because I really do believe it's going to be okay.

But Jesus never said that to anyone, even though he knew what was going to happen. Jesus had compassion for the people he came into contact with. Why? Because he loved them. He was compassionate about our condition. He actually cared.

Jesus knew everything and I know nothing. So I'm trying to change my way of thinking.

When I see someone with a problem, I'm trying to unthink, "It's only temporary." Instead, I ask myself, "How can I love this person?"

It's astounding how this perspective can open your heart up to vulnerability and compassion.

This is a simple way to intentionally love others.

So today before you open your mouth to the people you come into contact with, ask yourself this question, "How can I love this person?" And see what a difference you can make in someone's Monday. You might even be surprised what it does for your Monday.

Question:
How are you intentionally loving others?