Published: December 14, 2007 12:46 am            

Heavy on the Glitter, Please

The word glitter brings to mind a festive occasion. Yes, all shimmer and glimmer with a large measure of radiance and beauty … bedazzling, splendorous and happiness – you get the illuminating picture, don’t you?

Mid-December is upon us bringing a warm and cozy time of the year – the perfect time for a plate-full of glitter, if you please - not that glitter is relegated to only December, mind you. Oh no, plan to enjoy the glitter of life on a daily basis and, I think, a glitter filled life will make for a happy life.

Listen up as I expound on the importance of a glittered lifestyle.

First, allow me to give a short testimonial: Number one, I think, is a good outlook. For example, look for humor and happiness in every situation. Yes, I said every situation and that can sometimes be almost impossible, but it is doable. Now if you can’t fathom humor in some daily events and circumstances, then kindness will make for a good day as well. I understand that sometimes and some days there are not any kindnesses coming your way, but that doesn’t stop you from extending a kindness when the opportunity arises. You will feel better for it and perhaps the recipient of your kindness will try it himself or herself – like a glitter chain reaction. Hmmm, can you imagine anything better?

Moving right along with a glittering lifestyle, please know that glitter is not associated only with the great monetary achievements of a lifetime, but with a sense of knowing that one has done his or her best to make someone else’s life better. It can be your family, best friend, or a total stranger – doesn’t matter. Doing your best for others will make for a warm and glittery heart – a heart that illuminates with good will and kind thoughts.

As I observe Meridianites and Mississippians doing their best for others, I am still amazed at our kind hearts, not surprised, but totally amazed. I soaked up all of the local news concerning our kind hearts, such as, those dashing Marines and their toy drive with Regions Bank partnering with the handsome soldiers to make a wonderful Christmas for children of our area who would not, I repeat, would not have anything under the tree without their generosity.

I marveled at the boxes and boxes of toys and canned goods collected at the recent Singing Christmas Tree, Highland Baptist Church. The concert was free and all expenses for the mega musical Christmas performance covered by the church. Along with the free tickets given to attendees were requests for donations of toys and canned goods. Oh my, how the huge crowds responded. It was truly a Blessing – all illuminating and glittery.

The many acts of kindness and generosity in our area are too numerous to name each and everyone – but the Holy One knows … that’s all that matters.

Some have thought that becoming glittery is showy and, perhaps a little flashy. Oh, contraire … having a glittery lifestyle on the quiet side is probably the most important element of the glittery calculation. As many have stated, in our lives we should only have an audience of One, and be concerned with pleasing Him.

Look around our community and find your glittery opportunity to do something for others. There are plenty of needs and it’s not necessary that you join with a group or an organization in order to participate. Yes, there is a place for you and your gift for community. Everyone working together to make Meridian and Lauderdale County the best it can be is always in glittery demand.

Recently I saw an old friend from my previous church. We caught up on family news and I learned her twin daughters were now married with children of their own. I remember these sweet little girls as members of the 4th grade Sunday Class where I was privileged to teach. My friend shared with me a recent conversation with her daughters and how they remembered a life lesson from their Sunday School studies. The girls said they remembered Mrs. McKee as I taught the class that doing for others would make a warm feeling in their hearts and I’m certain on that day the lesson materials issued by the Southern Baptist Board dealt with kindnesses for others … now I would term it a glitter life lesson – and my heart is joyful for the girls to remember me at this time of their childhood, plus I’m very thankful their parents saw to bringing them to Sunday School.

Now I declare … Glitter here and Glitter there – the opportunities are precious and endless. Plan to become part of a glittered lifestyle and enjoy a warm heart plus a calendar full of glittered events - all accomplished for an audience of One.

        

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