The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Today's daily devotion
A Cheerful Heart
All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.—PROVERBS 15:15 (NIV)
Last week Mom complained of stomach pain, but she couldn’t tell me where it hurt. I asked the staff nurse to check on her.
Nurse: So, Flo, your daughter says you are experiencing stomach pains?
Mom: I am?
Me: Yes, remember? You said your stomach hurts?
Mom: I don’t think so.
Nurse: Okay. How have you been doing? Any problems?
Mom: Well, my stomach hurts.
The nurse and I exchanged glances. The nurse pressed lightly on her abdomen: Any pain when I do this?
Mom: No.
The doctor pressed on various areas of her abdomen, pelvic area and lower back.
Doctor: No pain when I touch it here?
Mom: No.
Doctor: Does it hurt worse after you eat?
Mom: I don’t think so.
Doctor: Okay, Flo, lie back on the table so you can point out exactly where it hurts. We may need to order an ultrasound.
The nurse helped Mom remove her blouse. Her bra was on backward, clasped across her belly. The nurse unclasped the bra.
Mom: It doesn’t hurt anymore!
Lord, thank you for these moments that lighten my heart and make me smile.
Adapted from
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The Power of Personal Experience
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
Reward Yourself
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)
