Ever Considered Being a Sunbeam?
"All people want the same two things: to be loved and to be accepted. You have it in your power to give those.
— Victor M. Parachin
When I was a child attending a Christian Sunday School I enjoyed a little song I was taught: 'Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. Jesus wants me to be loving and kind to all I see.' Though it's a powerful, authentic concept, sadly it seems hard to find it in practice among many Christians. The same teaching is offered by the Persian Sufi poet Hafiz. Read it and think about how you could work it into your life.
Sunbeams
Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth,
'You owe me.' Look at what happens with a love like that;
it lights the whole world!
"If you want to be a sunbeam, here are some small suggestions which can make a big difference in another person's life:
"• Show genuine interest in others.
• Listen to them carefully, compassionately.
• Use courteous language — please. thank you. well done.
• Be kinder than is necessary.
• Help out before you are asked.
• Praise people and be specific . . . I was moved when you said. I admire you for.
• Praise them in front of others.
• Say to people 'I love you' especially those beyond immediate family.
• Do all these — and more — without expecting anything in return."
