This post marks the one-year anniversary of my blog. This venture has been a most fulfilling endeavor. It was something that I had wanted to do for a long time but lacked the confidence to try. When I finally made the leap, it was a great victory for me.
Everything I’ve written has been for the sole purpose of blessing others. I prayed each week for inspiration and trusted that God would help me with my words. If only one person got blessed by only one post, I would still be thankful for this opportunity. But many have responded with positive feedback, and that makes my heart soar.
I have renewed my site license for another year. So, we’ll see where this thing will go! I thank each and every one of you who have encouraged and supported me. You are the motivation for my continued writing.
Poems have always been special to me, and this one is one of my favorites. It was written by Edgar A. Guest, an American poet who wrote from the early to mid 20th century. His poems are known for their inspirational and optimistic views of everyday life. It is reported that he wrote some 11,000 poems in his lifetime!
Sermons We See I'd rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I'd rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way. The eye's a better pupil and more willing than the ear, Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear; And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds, For to see good put in action is what everybody needs. I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done; I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run. And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true, But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do; For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give, But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live. When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind. When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be. And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way. One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold; One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told. Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear, For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear. Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say, I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day
How loudly this poem speaks to us from the hearing and seeing standpoint! Of course, we want people to ‘say what they mean and mean what they say’ – and the only proof of that is in their actions. We have more respect for someone who walks their talk; who lives according to their creed; than for someone who is always preaching one thing and doing another. And absolutely, we learn more from someone’s example than from the words they spout.
But this poem speaks even louder to me about what I am doing. Am I walking the talk? Am I living according to the words that I am speaking? Am I being a good example? My heart’s desire is to be a sermon that someone sees. To be the one who walks with others rather than giving them directions and sending them away. I want to be the one who helps and teaches by my example, the one who shows kindness, the one whose honor is visible. And why is that my heart’s desire? Because I know if I am doing those things, I am walking the way my Heavenly Father wants me to walk.
Basically, Christians yearn to be pleasing to God. But sometimes they get side-tracked, or tricked, or complacent and they forget what they are really supposed to be doing. It takes much less effort to talk than it does to take the required action. So people can find themselves in a situation of thinking they are doing okay because they are saying the right things; but they are actually missing the mark. We do not want to find ourselves in that boat!
Let us all show the world what it means to live for God; to live the way that our Heavenly Father designed for us to live. Let’s be bold. Let’s be fearless. Let’s do more than just talk! Let’s be good examples of what it means to be Christians. Let’s be the sermons that everyone can see!
Note to my readers: I cannot thank you enough for reading! I love you all.