What do you do in a world where you are judged not for what you do, but who you are? Or maybe it is judged for who you are rather than what you do. It gets kind of confusing sometimes.

It reminds, for some reason, of the question I have always wondered about and that is, "Why do little girls love to scream when they play?" Is it to get attention, or is it something that is ingrained in them since birth and so it is just a natural tendency? Whatever the case may be it is a rather interesting phenomena.

So if you judge a little girl by how she plays and what she says you may be thinking of what she does and who she is. Will she grow up to to be a master of industry? Maybe a doctor or a lawyer? Maybe she will work for a waste recycling center or as a police officer or maybe even the President of the United States.

Whatever the case may be it may be irrelevant to assume that because a little girl screams a lot that she will not develop into a woman of means and virtue that is strong and well-loved.

Quite often what we think will happen, isn't always the case. Sometimes when we look back at our childhood we remember a childhood playmate that looks a certain way. But then a decade or two later you see that person again, and although you may recognize them, they will look very different. Or they may look very much like they did when they were young, but with a few distinct differences.

Now some may say it does not really matter. That what we look like now does not really matter, it is what's inside that counts. It is the stories that we tell and how we tell them. It is the love that we give to others in dire times and at times of great celebration.

Now we are talking about character. We are also talking about the love that we have for others and how that love has not only changed our lives, but also the lives of those around us.

I have often heard that somebody close to you may know you better than you know yourself. But then God knows you many times better than you know yourself. He knows about the bad times and also the good.

Jeremiah 17:5-6 The Lord says: "Cursed is the man who puts his trust in mortal man and turns his heart away from God. 6 He is like a stunted shrub in the desert, with no hope for the future; he lives on the salt-encrusted plains in the barren wilderness; good times pass him by forever.

So turning away from God will make it so the good times pass us by. There is a time in everybody's life when they have strayed from Gods love only to come back again after a load of tears have been cried. It is a time of celebration when coming back because it notes a turning point in a person's life when they have come to know the love that God gives to us so freely, regardless of whether we are willing to accept it or not.

When we live our lives around a central premise that we have to keep up with the Joneses, that does not prove that we are worthy of good times. It only defines selfishness and greed and a desire to one up another person or persons. It is not a time to build character. Or rather it is because we need to change our ways, at that time, and learn to accept the gifts that God gives to us on a daily basis.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. 8 He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water-a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit. TLB

By trusting in the Lord. By seeking His guidance we are starting to get back to the path that knows no end. Because a life with God is ever changing. Granted the path will lead to heaven, but it doesn't stop there. I believe that God has a purpose for us. And even though our lives on earth end eventually it is better to be remembered as a person who lived and tried to make others understand the love that God gives, than be remembered as a person who had great material wealth.

So don't forget, you have a purpose. Don't forget the character that you have built within yourself and is shown brightly to others. And most importantly do not forget the many blessings that God has bestowed upon you throughout your life.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we often go astray and get caught up in worldly desires. Help us, remind us of your love and your understanding. Give us the insight into knowing what you want for our lives. Let us know your purpose, Lord, for our lives. And thank you for all your many blessings. Amen.

Benediction: Now, Lord, Bless us in our daily lives. Help us to smell the roses whenever possible, to shine our light on those less fortunate than us, and lead us in the path we should go. For you are the light that keeps our path well lit. Help us to follow it, until we meet you, in a land where milk and honey abound, a place where our most wonderful dreams are fulfilled. Amen.

Hi, my name is Bryan, a messenger of hope who would love to hear from you. God Bless.

© 2005 Bryan Hill