“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10b
During the years of my gainful employment, I seldom ever looked forward to Monday’s. Having enjoyed a relaxing weekend, I usually dreaded going back to work. I really liked my job and my coworkers, so that wasn’t the reason I dreaded returning to the routine I’d had for so many years. Perhaps, I liked the freedom of a weekend more than a set routine. Now, I’m thinking that it was a waste of a perfectly good day because many times I went to work without any expectations of having a great day! Especially on Monday’s! Now, my attitude on a Friday—well, that’s a different story, but for another day.
I wonder what would happen if we awoke every day—even Monday’s, with determination to “live life on the bright side?” This phrase is the title of my dear friend, Mary Howell’s book, called Life on the Bright Side. Mary and I grew up together in East Texas and reconnected after many years. When I was home, my sister and I visited Mary as often as we could. During those visits, we ate, laughed, cried, and prayed together. We enjoyed picnics among the tall pine trees at the local park. Peggy and I always came away uplifted from our time spent with Mary. She was an inspiration to many, and we were no exception.
Mary is in Heaven now, happy and whole. In spite of her moment by moment physical challenges, Mary knew how to live to the fullest, and with joy. I miss the fact that she prayed for me every day. Mary was a woman of her word and I never doubted for one minute that she wasn’t praying for my family and me daily. She once told me that she prayed for over 400 people every day—she knew the exact number. You see, as a result of injuries sustained from a fall, Mary was quadriplegic and could only use her brilliant mind. Praying was one thing she could do as she went through each day.
We need many more people like my friend, Mary—the blind, the sighted, the walkers and those who aren’t able to walk, to carry the mantle of prayer as faithfully as Mary did. I lost so much when I lost Mary’s daily prayers. I will always miss her, but am looking forward to seeing the “new” Mary when I get to Heaven.
A random thought today: It doesn’t matter where you have been. It matters where you are going. Why not go full speed for the Kingdom today? Like Mary, ask God to help you live your life on the bright side! It might just turn a dreaded Monday into a magnificent one with more possibilities than you could have ever imagined!
I didn’t get to see Mary often in our later years, but we still kept in touch. Her loss was great to us, but God apparently needed her in heaven. I look forward to seeing her again someday in her completely whole body.
Mary loved everyone! Through a life most would have given up on, she shined for Jesus! Her family made such a difference, but her deep faith made ALL the difference. You and Mary, each daughters of godly parents, both of your dads were pastors. You both heard the Word and saw it lived out in your childhood. Such a special gift! That background made both you and Mary who you became! I definitely admire you both. God bless you! Thank you for visiting The Resting Place.