Doing the Right Thing Shouldn't be Unexpected

If you know me or anything about me, you probably know that I have what some would consider an over-developed sense of right and wrong. That doesn't mean I don't see gray areas, too; it's just that I think some things are no-brainers.

Today, I visited Kohl's Department Store and had a nice conversation with the young man  checking out my purchase. Afterwards, I scooted on over to another store in the same complex. After I left that store, I looked at my receipt from Kohl's and noticed that there wasn't a charge for the hand towel, only the bath towel. I'm glad I noticed before going home so it didn't necessitate another trip.

I returned to Kohl's customer service and explained that an item was missed. The sweet young lady at the counter seemed a bit surprised and thanked me saying, "that's awful  nice of you" [to come back]. I simply told her that it was "only fair." I'd say something if I were over-charged, so it's a no-brainer to say something when I'm under-charged.

So why do people not expect others to do the right thing? (Just look at how it's news worthy when people find a large sum of money and turn it in - like it's an anomaly). And why don't some people see doing the right thing as important? Maybe some of that is human nature, but we don't make the world a better place by applying a double standard.

I think of Luke 16:10  "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

At first I thought that passage should be reversed. If you can be trusted a lot, you can probably be trusted with little, but it is true that if you can't be trusted with the little things (like bringing it to someone's attention if you're under-charged), then you probably can't be trusted with something bigger.

Personally, I'd love for God to trust me with a little more wealth so that I could help my fellowman more, but most of us would like that, too. So maybe God knows that it’s best to just let me keep doing my own thing and make sure that it includes doing it right.

Social Media and Friends

I recently celebrated by birthday (no need to elaborate on what number it was), and several thoughts occurred to me: It’s great to have friends and social media really does connect people.

Although I don’t use social media that often, it was a pleasant surprise to receive “Happy Birthday” wishes from so many people, many of whom pleasantly surprised me with their contact. It’s so nice that others think you are important enough to want to share in your day in some manner.  

I’ve also learned the value of social media to announce posting of my make-a-difference Examiner Articles, website and even this blog. I also appreciate when others share my postings or website and comment. I’m still hoping for more referrals via this media for my next book (see www.vickijulian.com to learn more or see the video of me talking about it).

On my actual birthday, my sons visited of course, but because of the weather, we postponed my requested picnic until after the extended-family party the next day.  That made my evening free to accept the invitation of my friends Darwin and Susan, who are actually more like family. They treated me to dinner and a movie, and ended my birthday in the best possible way.

Most people who know me are also aware that my birthday is always a little bittersweet for me. Eight years ago, my birthday occurred just two days after learning that my husband’s kidneys were failing, and I would lose him a full month and a half sooner than expected. Even with the terminal cancer diagnosis, he managed, while in the hospital, to rally family and friends to host a surprise birthday party for me. (I celebrate my birthday only because he wanted me to do so, just like the last time he could celebrate with me).

I believe that God gives us friends for a reason. Some become closer than others and some become family. I think of Matthew 6:20 (NIV): ^20” But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” It’s our relationships that really count. Friends are just a little glimpse of Heaven where we can understand the enjoyment, caring, compassion and love that awaits us.

The Importance of Knowing Your Religion

A Muslim Friend once told me that it is very rare for a Muslim to convert to another religion. That did surprise me, but after reading Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi, I understood why.

Like a majority of professed Christians who have never read the Bible in its entirety, I learned the same is true for followers of Islam. But unlike Jesus, who indisputedly lived a very just existence and life of love, the author cites some interesting things about Muhammad’s life that weren’t compatible with what he and his fellow Muslims were taught by Imams and other teachers of Islam. There were also some surprising statements that the author found in the Quran and hadith (a revered reference for Islamic law and history) which was compiled by Sahih Bukhari who is considered a reliable and scholarly source by most Muslims.  

It is not for me to judge the choice of others’ religions, but the book provided an insight that I had never before known. It also made me appreciate the sacrifices that some must still make to follow Jesus.  And it brought home the importance of knowing all that one can about the path one chooses to find God.

The Bible can be difficult to interpret and I’ve discovered many times from my pastor, who is a Biblical scholar, that translations can play a big part in changing what I once thought. Even without the same background to interpret correctly, I understand the importance to still read it because I discover something new each time I read it in its entirety.

So how did I manage to read the entire Bible several times? I bought one of those “read the Bible in a year” Bibles. It was the New International Version (NIV), which I also have on my Kindle. Additionally, I have a hardcopy of the New Revised Standard Version (NSRV) which some of us ELCA Lutherans tend to utilize most.

Now, back to: What did I learn after reading the aforementioned book? Lots! Not only did I learn about Islam from a formerly devout Muslim, but the importance of knowing about one’s own religion. I’m confident that I have chosen for myself the correct path to God via Christianity, and I will never stop learning. But, the journey is one which each of us must determine and independently travel.  

Thoughts on Getting Older

Since my birthday is approaching, I've begun to contemplate getting older. My late husband used to joke that "any day above ground is a good day," but that was sorely tested when his cancer turned terminal. It's difficult to watch someone you love suffer so that pretty much negates what he once said.

As we age, I think we are all a bit concerned about our longevity and the quality of life. We all agree that the second aspect is as important or even more so than the first. I've learned to live my life more as a one-day-at-a-time journey and not procrastinate as much as I did when I was younger. (I've already bought several Christmas presents!) We don't know what tomorrow holds and what quality of life we will have.

I've also learned such life altering lessons as a bad hair day doesn't ruin your existence. I'm not as focused on possessions as I once was, but that could also be due to my deepening faith. I don't sweat "keeping up with the Kardashians," spend time preening, or waste time on movies or other past times that aren't entertaining or fulfilling. I'm now more concerned with following what Jesus taught.

Happiness doesn't come from things; it comes from focusing on what's really important - and that is pertinent to any age. I still find the Bible to be the best guide for living our lives. So no matter how I age, I'm going to concentrate on the quality of life I have today, and be thankful every step of the way.