Third Thursday Thoughts: Golden Rule

It’s probably one of the first things you learned as a child. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Or in today’s language, treat others the way you want to be treated. Either way, these words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12, the Golden Rule, still apply today. In whatever we are called to do. 

As a writer and author, one way I can apply this verse to my life is to support other authors and their calling to write. I’ve had the honor of meeting and getting to know some amazing authors over the last few months. I happily ordered their books and have read most of the ones you see in the photo. I enjoyed every one of them and would recommend them to you. The one I haven’t read was one of those "God things" that made me smile. When I opened one of these new books to read, I saw a familiar name on the very first review at the front. I discovered that my new author friend knew a former student of mine from the only year I taught music at a Christian school in my hometown of Topeka! She is now an author of speculative fiction like me! She has a great voice, too! I hope to see her again one of these days at a writer's conference. You may call that a small world. I call it Divine Connections. 

When a book and/or author really touches my heart, that book goes on my "Favorites Shelf" for the purpose of re-reading, (and lending to friends.) A number of my favorite books have been read up to a dozen times over my lifetime. Another thing you can do for an author, is to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Especially if you liked the book and it made your favorites shelf. 

I apologize if this sounds like I’m just trying to get you buy or review my books. That would be great, but this post contains a deeper truth that hit home to me lately, and I felt led to share. No matter what you do for a living or as a hobby, on a day to day basis, the Golden Rule applies to you and applying it can change your entire outlook. 

  *Are you a teacher who could use some help or encouragement? Give the same to another teacher. 
  *Work in an office, overwhelmed with your tasks? Take a minute to help a co-worker with one of theirs. 
  *Retired and feeling like you aren’t accomplishing anything important like you used to on the job? Get out there and volunteer or seek the Lord for a new “re-fire-ment” assignment. 
  *Overworked mom? Make a play date with another mom and her kids and share ideas. 
  *Busy professional? Take a colleague to lunch and brainstorm. 
  *Need a friend or special prayer? Pray for your friends. 
  *Are you a “Creative?” Attend a concert, art show, poetry reading, dance recital. 
  *Facebook or other social media user? ‘Nuff said.

This concept is the same "reap what you sow" idea from another teaching of Jesus. Seedtime and harvest. Do for someone else what you want to happen for you.

Give the Golden Rule some thought today. It might give you a whole new perspective on tomorrow.