Sin and Wisdom of Thomas Jefferson
“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” -Thomas Jefferson
Random fact…I refer to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial as “Jeff”.
I enjoy visiting Jeff for the view sometimes, and other times I go there to ponder. Something about being there in the early quiet of the morning just inspires me.
Recently I heard that people want to either tear down his memorial or tack up a list of his sins.
Seriously?
We all know the founding fathers were not saints by any means. But his memorial is meant to inspire and to make people think not as a temple of worship!
My response to those people is let he who is without sin cast the first stone!
I doubt those folks suggesting the sin list would not want a list of their sins tacked up on their tombstone for everyone to see? I know I wouldn’t!
Point to ponder while you wander… We should be inspired by the wisdom of historical figures, but also learn from their struggles and failures. But if we only focus on someone’s sin…we miss out on the gift God intended those people to be.
Same is true of the people in our day-to-day lives.
Unity of the Nation
I was just on the roof of my building enjoying the view of DC, and praying for wisdom for our president and our congress.
And this is what came to me…Our military is the best in the world, so chances America being taken down from the outside are not very high. But the chances of us destroying ourselves from the inside out are currently astronomical.
We are not United.
Why would a terrorist waste their time attacking us? When we the people are using our diversity as a wrecking ball against ourselves & destroying our own country.
History should be studied and learned from so it is not repeated.
But yet we haven’t learned a thing! Here we are fighting amongst ourselves over historical statues and skin tones!
Come on people. Take a deep breath.
Hate, fear, anger, wrath, rioting, and finger pointing do not resolve anything. And we all know fear is a liar!
People are hurting, legitimately, and I’m sorry to see and hear that. But knocking down a very old Christopher Columbus statue is not going to heal anyone’s wounds. It just won’t.
Is this what you want to teach the next generation of Americans? Do you want your kids and grandkids to destroy art and history because they are hurt and upset?
I sincerely hope not.
Listening. Open communication. Love. Kindness. Patience. Mutual respect. These are tools that lead to unity.
Unity does not mean we are all the same and have the same opinion. It doesn’t mean blindly following either.
Unity is diverse people coming together for the common good. It’s choosing to listen to those who have a differing opinion. Unity is choosing to be kind & respectful even when you disagree.
The goal of unity should be to build on the successes of the previous generation accomplished, and improve in the areas where they struggled.
Point to ponder while you wander…This is our country. We are the people. We, you and me, are the solution to the problem.
So please join me in praying for peace and unity for our people, and wisdom for our leaders. Please choose to be kind. Be the positive change.
A Psalm, a Masterpiece & the Eclipse
“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4 NLT
As a nature lover, it’s easy to think that the beauty and majesty God created and think the Earth or the skies is the pinnacle of His creation. But actually, you are.
He created the Earth for you to tend, keep, and enjoy. You are His Masterpiece!
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Point to ponder while you wander…God considers you to be His masterpiece over this…
Photo Credit: NASA
Creativity Connection
I spent my early morning hours coloring a garden-type scene. I enjoy coloring plants! So many shades of green! So many textures!
I wonder how long God pondered the colors, textures, and characteristics of each plant before He spoke them into being?
I wonder how wide He smiled as He considered the colors of the Monarch butterfly and the flashing light of fire flies? As I personally believe He enjoyed every second of creation as I enjoy painting and coloring.
Do you enjoy coloring or being creative?
I personally believe the reason why so many people enjoy coloring (or woodworking, painting, planting gardens, knitting and the like…) is because they’re actually connecting to the One who created them.
We are creative beings! We create with our voices. We create with our minds. We create with our hands.
“So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27 NLT
Point to ponder while you wander…
I feel closest to Him when I am writing, taking photos, coloring, painting, or otherwise creating 🖌📸✏, when I wander around appreciating His artwork 🌌🏞🏜, or looking at art others created 📷🖼🎨.
Art and nature is how God speaks to me most often, and how I relate to Him. I have friends who relate to God in music, and others who connect by just acknowledging His Presence & sitting quiet and still.
How do you connect to God?
jillbeingstill 