Marks

 

mattandsam2012

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Today’s post may ramble a little so I hope you hang with me while I wander around my thoughts. I’m thinking about marks…you know…impressions, dents, brands…stuff like that. Life is full of marks, impressions that shape our experiences, the seasons and all the relationships involved.

Some marks are deeper than others…some even cause pain…some bring joy…some deliver both.

See that smiling couple above...that’s my son Matthew and Samantha, the young woman he is courting (yes I said courting). This is a mark of joy, seeing two young people who love God and their family enough to start this relationship off right. Their joy (they look happy don’t they? You should see both sets of parents!) runs right off both of them on to all of us…priceless.

Their shared joy is a welcomed mark right now.

Matt and his siblings brought their mark to the VA Hospital this past Sunday. My father-in-law Jim has been there for a few weeks now, fighting cancer and other ailments, many of his days are clouded with some drug induced fog. The sight of his grandchildren parted that fog and for a few hours he was alive again. Swallowed up in their stories, their energy and their love for him, he became the PopPop they remembered before this awful disease attacked him.

The joy mark will do that.

I encourage you…leave a mark…make a deep impression of joy in someone’s’ life today. You may just lift a fog of sorrow off them. I know Matt’s and Samantha’s joy mark has done that for me.

 

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Comments

jasonS said…
Beautiful reminder, Jay. We have the capacity to offer so much to others and all it takes is for our hearts to be open, to share our lives in some way. Wonderful. Thank you!
Bill (cycleguy) said…
I echo Jason. Great reminder about what we offer others. What a beautiful thing they did for their PopPop. that is something they will NEVER regret!
S.Etole said…
What a beautiful young couple spreading joy in their youth.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Susan...I think so!
Jay Cookingham said…
It made a huge difference for everybody that day, including their Mom who watched her Dad come alive for those moments. Thanks Bill!
Jay Cookingham said…
Our capacity is more than we know and more than we can imagine...because He can fill us with Himself! Bless ya Jason...thanks!
Michael Kimball said…
In looking at Matt and Samantha's smiling faces and the story you've related, Jay, I find myself smiling as I, too, am impacted by the "mark" they are continuing to leave on the rest of us. They are, in so small way, a lovely "mark" upon the world by the impact of your and Christine's life. A legacy of love...
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks Bro'...I love how God relates to us through each other. Powerful stuff!
floyd said…
Thanks for the reminder, Jay. I appreciate the mark you've left on many lives... even people you haven't met... including me. Praying for your father in law... and awesome picture of your son and his girlfriend.
Jay Cookingham said…
You're too kind bro' but isn't that what our life is all about? Leaving His touches, spreading His joy...I see that in you as well bro'!
TCAvey said…
Great looking couple!
Thanks for sharing.
By the way, you've left a mark on me, I look forward to reading your posts. God bless.
Sorry to hear about your father-in-law, mine is battling cancer as well. Will be praying for you all.
Jay Cookingham said…
Thanks TC, I appreciate the kind words, the prayers and the encouragement. What a gentle mark you just left me!
Joanne Norton said…
Oh, Jay, you touched my heart... even though I'm reading this several weeks later. Mine needs to be filled with joy... and through you and other dear ones, it will be.

Thanks much.
Jay Cookingham said…
Glad to send some joy your way dear sister....bless you!

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