Links Of Love
By Carolyn Kenney
During the course of our lives, it is amazing how we change
physically, mentally and spiritually. We gradually develop the
sense of right and wrong and make our choices as to which
direction our lives will take. In the hills and valleys of life,
we reach pinnacles of exultation as well as valleys of despair.
However, we cannot - and should not - let misery, hopelessness
and anguish get the better of our hearts and souls. We are
blessed with gifts of intelligence, hope and love and must use
them for our well-being and that of others.
In his Letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul spoke these words to
the men and women of his day; he still speaks them today to each
one of us. "Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish
persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because
the days are evil, do not continue in ignorance, but try to
understand what is the will of the Lord be filled with the
Spirit giving thanks always and for everything in the name of
Our Lord Jesus Christ" We have climbed out of the valleys of our
childhood and teenage years and have reached adulthood. It is
time we started to live as wise men and women. It is time we
became caring people who do not walk in ignorance, but who
respond with love to the gift of life God has given us.
Every day of her life, Mother Teresa responded wholeheartedly to
everyone around her with true love. She said, "Good works are
links that form a chain of love." Let us each begin to perform
good works - a smile, a kind word or a helping hand - until they
become a normal part of our life. Imagine the profound effect
this would create as it passed from one human being to another.
When this became part of our normal daily routine, envision how
the world would change. Instead of wars, terrorism and hatred,
we would have peace, love and understanding. Let us begin now.
The sooner we each take the time to smile at the stranger we
pass in the street, the better. The sooner we say a kind word to
a family member, the better. The sooner we lend a helping hand
to our neighbor - whether it is the person next door or someone
we meet during the course of our day, the better. The sooner we
start to spread love, the better our world will be.
Ms. Kenney has written weekly articles for her church
bulletin for over four years.
Some of these reflections developed into a short devotional book
titled "Meditations of the Heart."
Her interest is devotional and children's writing.
Her website is http://www.myspace.com/carolyn8390
