Becoming Like Him - Day 19 - Honor

For my 31 days of writing, I am linking up over at Heading Home and over at the Nester. There are several of us that are taking the 31 day writing challenge. Kate has suggested that we spend 31 days of Five minute writing. You can use the prompts or write about anything you would like, you just need to write.

I am sharing my journey for 31 days as I strive to become more like Him. My prayer is that you can find hope and peace in my words.

"The purpose of life 

Is not to be happy.

It is to be useful,

To be honorable,

To be compassionate,

To have it make

Some difference

That you have 

Lived and lived 

Well."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

START

I love Ralph Waldo Emerson.  What a beautiful way of expressing those things which are important.  The Bible teaches us to honor our parents, to do good the those that despitefully use you, to be kind, to be unselfish.
The world would have us believe that everything should be all about ourselves.  That our past is the fault of our parents.  That only fun is important.  That we should pursue happiness above all things.
I have learned, as I strive to become more like Him, that true happiness only comes when I am serving Him.  When I am trying to be kind, when I am compassionate, when I am useful to others.  I have learned that when I serve others, I am also serving Him.
I am happiest when I am doing the things that are right.  When I don't have to worry about the choices I am making.  I am happiest when I am with family.  I am happiest, when I am not seeking to be happy.  Instead, I have to look beyond my own needs and care about making a difference.
My life has been a life of service.  A life devoted to my family, my church, my community, my job and my friends.  Sometimes I feel very overwhelmed, then something will happen for just a moment that will change my outlook and make everything worth it.
I believe that part of honoring our parents and our ancestors comes from forgiving them.  We all make mistakes.  Heaven only knows how many I have made myself.  I know, as a mom, that I hope and pray someday my children will forgive me for my own wrongs.  I don't believe that I should deny that same forgiveness to those who have gone before.
I believe that God is the only one who can truly judge our sins.  That I don't have too.  That somehow, in a way I don't understand, all things will be made right.  I believe that if I can honor the good and forgive the bad, I will be better because of it and I will become more like Him each and every day.
To my children, I would say the best way to honor me would be to become better than I am.  To honor the things you have been taught, and the love that you have known.  To honor your God in every aspect of your life.  To become more like Him.

STOP