Perceptions #200216

"Life's Too Short to Ration Your Candy"

by Elmer F. Little, Jr.

About two weeks ago, my eye caught the above statement on a bumper sticker of an old station wagon. It is provocative! I was immediately reminded of Jacob's counsel to his children as they prepared for the long journey from Palestine to the court of the Egyptian Pharaoh to buy food. Jacob advised, ". . .carry down the man a present, a little balm and a little honey" (Genesis 43:11).

One idea here is that we should be ready at all times to spread sweetness, love, joy and healing. How many of us make real preparation to do that? We often have opportunity to make the day of another a little brighter and sweeten the life of a friend. Are we always ready to take advantage of such an opportunity? An encouraging word…a smile… a kindness… however small… a gift of love… a telephone call… a card… a personal visit… an uplifting note… "candy" in a sense. Don't ration it.

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