How's your day?

Hello my name is Jasper, and I pray that all is well with you.

I woke up this morning feeling good, in a very positive mood, and as I started my day I started speaking to people as I rolled down the hallway. I live in a neuro rehab center so I see a lot of people (clients, staff, and visitors). I try to speak to everyone I meet and I like to project a happy feeling. Often times if I don't feel that good inside or if I'm feeling kind of crappy myself, I don't let others see it. I could be in one of those places where I don't want to be bothered by anyone, but when someone speaks to me or smiles at me I automatically put on that face. It doesn't take a whole lot for you to smile and say "hello", even if you don't feel like doing it or talking to anyone. Just smile or nod and say "hello". In other words, always be uplifting and encouraging to your brother. Sometimes you don't know what the next person is going through. You don't know what emotional state they may be in, and that simple smile or that "hello" would just bring them out of that self-pity. That hug that you give someone may be the only love that they've felt in a long time, you just don't know. When we show love to our brother (and that includes women), we're doing what God asks us to do. Jesus said "love ye one another as I have loved you". It's my way of being happy for myself, no matter what my condition is. When I look out and I see all the green trees, the beautiful blue sky, just being able to open my eyes and see anything is a blessing. I just look all around me and I see the beautiful portrait that God has painted for me. I think about each breath that I take, my eyesight, being able to breathe, and of course watching my family grow up. I've often thanked God for allowing me to live long enough to watch my babies grow up, and then watch my babies' babies grow up. Nothing feels as good as having your children around you, and you're holding their children in your arms. You can't help but feel thankful and blessed that you're here to do that. I didn't always live such a safe and comfortable life. I am a recovering addict, and I've been lost in darkness many times. So I look at where I am today and I know it wasn't me that got me here. I tried to self-destruct many times, I filled my life with misery, but God still had favor with me and He guided me through my wilderness. He brought me out and reestablished me. That's not to say I didn't go through some tough times. I had a wife that I had to bury, I lost many a job, never stayed in one place very long, and as I said earlier I live in a neuro rehab center because I'm a quadriplegic. With all that being said, I still know and believe in my heart that the Lord is with me. I don't worry about how my day, or how my week, or what's going to happen in my life. As long as I can do most of what the Lord wants me to do- if I can be at least half of what He wants from me, I know He's got my back. So I want to ask you, how is your day today? Are you thankful that you woke up? Are you thankful for what you're able to see? Are you thankful for everything the Lord is providing for you? Everyday that you live and breathe He gives you your daily bread. So once in a while give some of your time to Him. Your Father wants to hear from you, as any good father would. Spend time with Him, tell Him you're thankful, you love Him, and tell Him your problems and concerns. He hears you, and He will listen. Be patient, and He will respond. If you don't want to believe me, just ask around and you'll find that there are many, many people who have experienced the love of God. Why don't you?

Again, I'm Jasper and I'm a minister for the Lord.