Saturday's Snippet

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Good morning, and a sweet, sunny Saturday salutation to all of you!

These two verses from Ecclesiastes bring a twofold message today - how good it is to have a friend when you're in need; and how terribly woeful it is to be alone in the time of need. Perhaps the gist of my spoonful of tonic for all of us today is to be there for someone else when they are hurting; to be the one who picks another up. More clearly, let's choose to be the one who cares.

Many of my family members and close friends are hurting today because someone they loved passed away; another has a family member in a hospital; or, they are the ones in pain. I can only imagine the list of hurting friends that you could also compile. We cannot physically be where each of these hurting individuals are today, but we can, and should, pray. We can also go a little further. One of the blessings of technology is that within seconds we can text someone to let them know we care; we can post something on Instagram or Facebook; or, we can send an email card (most are free). A phone call means so much, and I still love to send and receive good old-fashioned cards and letters by "snail mail".

Pray first, then step beyond that and send some type of message to our hurting friends. Once again, the bottom line is, let's care. Send out a little love today, simply because our friends need it, but also because what we sow we will reap. The love we give will return to us. Sow bountifully; reap bountifully. Sow sparingly, reap sparingly. (II Corinthians 9:6)

In closing, here's a sweet song, written by the late Mahalia Jackson:

Verse One

If I can help somebody, as I pass along

If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,

If I can show somebody how they're traveling wrong

Then my living shall not be in vain

Chorus

My living shall not be in vain

Then My living shall not be in vain

If I can help somebody, as I pass along,

Then my living shall not be in vain

Verse Two

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,

If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought

If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught,

Then my living shall not be in vain

God bless each of you, my dear friends, as we all do our Father's business in caring as He would!

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.......................