February 27
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Meeting Others' Needs
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Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
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Philippians 2:3,4 (NKJV)
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Florence Littauer, the author of Personality Plus, shares how it wasn’t until the last days of her mother’s life that she understood her mother’s emotional need for respect. For years, Florence had focused on herself and tried, in vain, to win her mother’s approval. And all the while never realizing her mother’s basic emotional need for respect.
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Again, when visiting her at her new rest home, Florence told her mom all the good things she was doing, but with little effect. It was only when she asked her mother what she thought about her new care facility that Florence began to understand her mom's real need. Suddenly, the elder woman came to life and shared what a wonderful place it was and how nice they treated her the first day she was there. Why they even put me at the head of the dinner table and gave me the only chair with arms! It stunned Florence to realize after all these years what her mother needed most from her was respect—not a lot of talk about Florence’s accomplishments.
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Soon after that visit, Florence returned and took her mother home for dinner, sat her at the head of the table in the only chair with arms. Soon after, her mother died. Fortunately, Florence eyes were opened, and she acted before it was too late.
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How long will it take us to look for, see and then actually meet the needs of others so close to us?
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Lord, give me a discerning heart. Help me to show others Your love, to meet their needs just as You desire. Amen.
.
Meeting Others' Needs
.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
.
Philippians 2:3,4 (NKJV)
.
Florence Littauer, the author of Personality Plus, shares how it wasn’t until the last days of her mother’s life that she understood her mother’s emotional need for respect. For years, Florence had focused on herself and tried, in vain, to win her mother’s approval. And all the while never realizing her mother’s basic emotional need for respect.
.
Again, when visiting her at her new rest home, Florence told her mom all the good things she was doing, but with little effect. It was only when she asked her mother what she thought about her new care facility that Florence began to understand her mom's real need. Suddenly, the elder woman came to life and shared what a wonderful place it was and how nice they treated her the first day she was there. Why they even put me at the head of the dinner table and gave me the only chair with arms! It stunned Florence to realize after all these years what her mother needed most from her was respect—not a lot of talk about Florence’s accomplishments.
.
Soon after that visit, Florence returned and took her mother home for dinner, sat her at the head of the table in the only chair with arms. Soon after, her mother died. Fortunately, Florence eyes were opened, and she acted before it was too late.
.
How long will it take us to look for, see and then actually meet the needs of others so close to us?
.
Lord, give me a discerning heart. Help me to show others Your love, to meet their needs just as You desire. Amen.
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