Allen had lived a great life. He had many achievements and accomplishments over the years. He married his high school sweetheart at age 20 and shortly thereafter, they started a family.
He was involved in his community, church and several non-profit organizations.
Over the next 65 years, Allen served on various boards and became well respected around his town. He started a business, hired employees and grew his business to a point where he could generously give back. Not just with money but his time.
Allen was known for helping others. He was flexible with his employees and their family schedules so they could tend to things that were important to them. He strived to make a difference in people and believed that instilling a positive attitudes, respect and honor into his children, were the best traits he could leave them.
One day, in his late 80’s, Allen died. Upon his ascent into heaven, he saw a large screen that appeared to be playing various movies. As he got closer, he realized they were segments of his life, all playing at the same time, on one screen. Each movie was showing the difference he had made in someone’s life. Right in front of him, he was hearing and seeing story after story how his generosity and willingness to share had made such an impact on so many. He could not help but feel an abundance of love while seeing all of this unfold.
He also noticed on the far side of the screen, there were people whom he knew who were not talking very nice about him. The movies showed these people spreading rumors and talking badly about him behind his back. They made false accusations about him and unfortunately, Allen knew everyone of them. Some were friends, neighbors and even employees whom he had paid salaries and bonuses to for years.
Upon seeing this, Allen was overcome with disbelief. The same people whom he had given his time, energy and finances to were not only disrespectful but were also unthankful. It only took a minute before his heart was heavy and with hurt feelings, his eyes filled with tears. He kept thinking: how could people whom he had done so much for, be so ungrateful.
This story was given to me in a dream and is not far from reality. All of us, at some point, have been ungrateful to those who have given to us. The question is: do we still do it and will we continue to do it?
The next time you start to talk about someone to somebody, stop and ask yourself: would I be saying this if that person was standing beside me? If they were to hear your words, would it build them up or tear them down?
Life really is in the power of the tongue. Each day, we have a choice to be thankful for what we have. Words aren’t just words they are an outward statement of what is taking place on the inside of us.
Don’t allow yourself to think: it doesn’t matter. Unintentional or direct, all of our words matter.
Have a great weekend everyone, be blessed.
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