Come Depressed and Leave Refreshed
From Music and The Spoken Word
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4295
Very often, the surest way to make an adversity or heartache a little more bearable is to think a little more about the adversities and heartaches of others. It’s truly remarkable how such a simple shift in focus can change everything.
Devin was one of those who faced serious hardships in life and yet found a way to endure the pain and find joy. During his short 15 years of life, he fought a valiant battle against cancer. Devin’s secret was his deep faith in God, along with deep love for his family and friends. Despite his own trials, Devin always left others feeling a little better than he found them. He loved people—loved to listen to them, laugh with them, and talk with them. People who visited Devin with the idea of comforting him always seemed to leave with the feeling that, somehow, they were the ones comforted.
For his 15th birthday, Devin asked for a small refrigerator so he could have cold soft drinks available for anyone who came to visit. He put a slogan on the door of the fridge: "The Soda Factory—come depressed and leave refreshed.” Up until the day he passed away, Devin simply loved people and found that as he thought of others instead of himself, he felt a little better, happier, stronger.
This simple but profound truth applies not only to those with serious illnesses but to all of us, whatever our trials. When we are disheartened and face an unknown future, think of others; when we feel depleted by life’s challenges and overwhelmed with worries, think of others. It doesn’t need to be much, it just needs to come from the heart: a listening ear, a welcoming smile, a warm embrace—or even a can of soda pop! As we demonstrate genuine, heartfelt interest in others, we—and they—will be refreshed.
Devin was one of those who faced serious hardships in life and yet found a way to endure the pain and find joy. During his short 15 years of life, he fought a valiant battle against cancer. Devin’s secret was his deep faith in God, along with deep love for his family and friends. Despite his own trials, Devin always left others feeling a little better than he found them. He loved people—loved to listen to them, laugh with them, and talk with them. People who visited Devin with the idea of comforting him always seemed to leave with the feeling that, somehow, they were the ones comforted.
For his 15th birthday, Devin asked for a small refrigerator so he could have cold soft drinks available for anyone who came to visit. He put a slogan on the door of the fridge: "The Soda Factory—come depressed and leave refreshed.” Up until the day he passed away, Devin simply loved people and found that as he thought of others instead of himself, he felt a little better, happier, stronger.
This simple but profound truth applies not only to those with serious illnesses but to all of us, whatever our trials. When we are disheartened and face an unknown future, think of others; when we feel depleted by life’s challenges and overwhelmed with worries, think of others. It doesn’t need to be much, it just needs to come from the heart: a listening ear, a welcoming smile, a warm embrace—or even a can of soda pop! As we demonstrate genuine, heartfelt interest in others, we—and they—will be refreshed.
1 comment:
love this - and love if you would link up with me for sunday inspired over at
http://lavitaebella-elisabeth.blogspot.com/
this post would fit right in :)
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