St. Francis of Assisi

Last week's "Aha Moment" was based on a quote from St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved Catholic Saints. It goes like this, "In Medieval times the followers of St. Francis wanted to know what to do when they took to the streets. 'Tell everybody about the love of God,' St. Francis advised. 'If necessary, use words'".
I mentioned this to a priest I was speaking to this week. He said he had that quote on a plaque on his office wall. His wording was slightly different. His said, "Preach the Gospel. If necessary use words". The meaning is the same. We show our love for God by showing love to our neighbors.
Who are our neighbors? Well, in addition to those who live near us, it is everyone else: those we run into during the day: the guy at the gas station, the girl who fills our bagel order, the guy who cuts us off on the highway, the woman struggling with her groceries while wheeling two little ones around, those who seem to have more than us, those who seem to have less than us... and on and on and on. It's everyone.
Incorporating this concept into our daily lives is a great way to help us stay in the moment. Smile, be courteous, practice the Golden Rule. Tell everyone about the love of God by your actions. Let there be no doubt about it. Leave everyone you meet uplifted by having run into you. Your troubles will fade as you spread God's love. You were chosen to be His messenger.