Themes from the Lives of People I've been Reading

Picture courtesy of Warrell.com  

I LOVE people.  And I love the idea which has been popularized in a lot of places lately, that every person around us has a unique and interesting story to tell.  I'm lucky enough to be surrounded with some amazing friends, and I wish I could share them each with those of you reading my words.

So on this last day of the year, I thought I would share with you, some of the themes of their lives.  These are the life lessons that I've read on the pages of their hearts and on the character God has forged in them.

In no particular order:

Erin:  Life is too important to live casually.  Live with great intention and laugh often.

Pete:  If you truly care about someone, you will have an eye to their long-term gain, and your actions will demonstrate that, even if it makes them uncomfortable in the short term.

Danae:  Life lived in gratitude is a life lived in joy.  

Renn & Taylor: Take time to make a connection.  People over schedule.

Katie: There is always something to celebrate in life.

Nadia: Our lives are meant to showcase the glory of God.  God and people deserve our very best.

Keri: People matter.  They are worth late night talks, they are worth 3 AM rides to the hospital, they are worth fighting for when no one else is fighting for them, they are worth spending your last penny on, they are worth broken toys and ruined carpets, they are worth relocating for, they are worth serving alongside, they are worth LIFE. People matter.

Sue:  There is great beauty to God in a life lived enjoying His world; His melodies, His creatures, His children.  It is ok to enjoy life, for life.

Tamar: Love with arms wide open.  If you fully accept others, you yourself will have nothing to hide.  

Darcy: Life IS our happy place.

Sandee:  Friends listen, friends protect, friends invite, friends show up, friends stay.

Pi' t'r:  How do I stop sinning?  Go to Jesus.  How do I change my heart? Go to Jesus. How do I forgive better?  Ask Jesus.  What about  . . .GO TO JESUS.  Can I have a hug? Yes, that I can do.

Rachel:  YOU are awesome.  (When she says it, I believe it.  More than anyone else.)

Bob:  I completely accept you.  Go accept others.

Elizabeth: Never underestimate the power of kindness and encouragement to change a person's outlook, and course.

Kelli: Just be honest.  Life's funner that way.

Kevin Conner, Joel Klein, and Bob Goff: Good leaders are accessible.

Pastor Sue: Anything that needs to be said, can be said with grace and kindness.

Pastor Bob: It makes a difference to THIS one.  (As in when asked why he's throwing starfish back into the sea, and he answers "To save them" and it's pointed out how MANY MANY starfish there are on the beach and he's asked how can he ever make a difference.)  It makes a difference to THIS one.

I have been the one.   And it has made a difference to me.

I have the greatest people in my life, and their lives instruct.

What are people reading from your life?