God, what would you have me say and do today?

Be sensitive.

Feel others’ pains, challenges, and burdens.

Forget your own today.

Be there for those who may need

to be heard and understood.

When you ask others,

How are you?

ask compassionately,with true concern

for their welfare,happiness and peace.

Smile with your eyes.

Allow the gate of

your willingness

to swing wide open.

Make room in your heart so you may hold

the hurts of those you live and work with.

During casual conversations and chance meetings,

extend a sweet spirit that invites others in.

Then

I will perform a perfect work through you.

A smile, a nod, a loving word, a gentle touch,

a silent attentiveness: your very presence

will be a gift,

a healing,

a blessing,

a miracle.

Evening Reflection

Today’s guidance proved a beautiful one. I read it before every planned encounter and was conscious of being more sensitive to others while allowing my own challenges to take a back seat. I found I was able to listen with bigger ears and respond more heartfully. When I asked, How are you? I didn’t get the usual answer: Fine. People responded with more openness and vulnerability. I then felt able to be more helpful, even if that involved simply listening.

People can hear and sense our love and care through our words and our tone of voice. They can see love in our eyes. Our care invites trust and allows others to be more forthcoming.

Today, following the guidance, I was grateful to be helpful in a more conscious way.

How did the guidance unfold in your day today?

From Power for Life: Inspirational for Daily Living

David Preston Sharp