Dare To Be Unique

Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect.

Romans 12:2

There's a song by Jimmy Buffett that I have always liked, it's called "Fruicake" and you can find it on YouTube. (Fruitcake)

You've seen them.  You may even know some of them.  And, quite honestly, you might even BE one of them.  You know the ones......they are wound up so tight that they could potentially spring over Mt. Everest.  These spring loaded folks tend to have health ailments resulting from their being so uptight all the time. And because they are uptight and not feeling completely well, they like to spread their "joy" far and wide to everyone they can.

But look at what the Apostle Paul is reminding us to do...."Do not be shaped by this world."  Now this doesn't mean we are to stop personal hygiene and run naked through the streets laughing hysterically like minions.  This means we are to remember that, while we are ON this world for a brief time, we are to BE DIFFERENT!  

Here are a few practical ways to be different:

• Say "Please" when you desire something and "Thank You" when you receive your answer.
• Realize that we will not always get our way, so be different by saying "Okay" and move on with your life.
• Be kind to others.
• Hold the door for others.
• Encourage someone you know needs it.
• Laugh
• Smile
• Help someone who has a burden they are having to carry (physically, emotionally, etc.)
• Make it a point to let someone else go first.
• Bring me coffee
• Give your time to a good cause.

You get the picture.  Be different by doing to others as you would want done to you.  And remember...happiness and contentment are DECISIONS!