“Wouldn’t this old world be better,
If the folks we met would say:
I know something good about you,
And then treat us just that way!
Wouldn’t things be more pleasant
If the good that’s in us all,
Were the only thing about us,
That folks bothered to recall!
Wouldn’t life be lots more happy
If we’d praise the good we see!
For there’s such a lot of goodness
In the worst of you and me.
Wouldn’t it be nice to practice
This fine way of thinking too:
You know something good about me,
And I know something good about you!”
~ Author Unknown ~
In a quieter time, perhaps 40 or 50 years ago (but I don’t really know), this poem was printed by the Electric City Printing Co. in Anderson, SC. I’ve carried this poem with me for decades and believe now is as good a time as any to post. Times are hard, life is hard but what if we all decided to see the good in each other? How would our world change? How would we change? Each of us know someone who no longer wants to be in our lives; each of us know someone we no longer want in our lives. That’s life; it ebbs and flows, it changes as we change and sometimes it changes whether we want it to change or not.
If you believe I’ve offended you, please tell me and I’ll do my best to make it right. For those who’ve offended me, all is forgiven. It’s more important to live at peace…in peace…than hold offenses.
If you want your name placed on my prayer list, send a private note and let me know. There’s no need to let me know your need(s); God knows. It’s enough you’re lifted in prayer.
Time is fleeting (poem here); there are some that say we’re not promised tomorrow. They’re wrong because we’re not promised today; one day, for all of us, tomorrow won’t come and the day of reckoning will be today. Always today.
May God show you the good plans He has for you in 2019; may He give you strength, wisdom, peace and quiet. May you make time to hear His whisper and to live the life of fullness He has for you. Most of all, may you know Him more deeply, more fully and may His grace, mercy and favor fill your life to overflowing.
~ Jesus stepped out of eternity, into time,
so we might step out of time, into eternity. ~
Willow says
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Yesterday I posted a New Year’s ‘blessing’ called Flight 2019. You might enjoy it..Happy New Year to you!
Sandra Bennett says
You’re welcome and love the name of your blog! God bless you and yours this year of 2019; Flight 2019 was cute.
Sheryl says
Hi. That all was relevant to me Thank you, precious soul. Prayers wanted.
Sandra Bennett says
Excellent Sheryl; your name is on my prayer list.
Sheryl says
Thank you. I live in Magalia, next to Paradise. Paradise destroyed, half of Magalia homes gone too in Camp Fire in CA. My house ok, but all community and friends are gone to other Cities.
Sandra Bennett says
Some years back, my parents house burned to the ground and that was horrible. I cannot fathom the devastation you and those around you have endured. You were tucked in prayer this morning.
Sheryl says
Thank you so much. You are a blessing.
Sheryl
Sandra Bennett says
Dave used to say I was trying so being a blessing is good…right? lol Thank you, Sheryl.
handmade by amalia says
I just LOVE this sweet poem, Sandra, thank you so much for sharing it. Happy 2019.
Amalia
xo
Sandra Bennett says
Amalia, please print it out where you’ll benefit from daily reading. It’s not my poem, author unknown, and it blesses me to know it blesses you. love and prayers to you.
Mary Anne Komar says
I am always happy to see your entries and feel your heartfelt thoughts. Thank you for sharing your inspiration!xx
Sandra Bennett says
oh Mary Anne, thank you. I’ve been sick for a long while (I’m not a good patient!) and your kind words are a balm in Gilead. love and prayers for you and yours.
Charlene H says
I love your closing paragraph and would like to copy it (with your permission) in my new journal for 2019!
A Blessed New Year in 2019!
Charlene H
Sandra Bennett says
Hi Charlene – yes, of course if it helps you, please use it. One plants, one waters and God gets the harvest. May He bless you in ways known and unknown this year. <><
Charlene H says
Thank you, Sandra!
Sandra Bennett says
You are most welcome Charlene!
Anita says
That poem is just perfect for the new year and always!
Sandra Bennett says
It’s a good way to live Anita!
Linda Sue says
I very much like the sentiment of this post – now I must fudge a tiny bit – the idea of apologizing for possibly offending – somehow our culture has decided that offending someone is the same as doing them harm whether what they consider offensive is something a reasonable person would even think twice about. So I hold back on that one but overall it’s true – the presumption of being a nice person who will be interesting to know is a decent way to live. Gentle as doves indeed but being wise as serpents is a challenge for most all of us! As always a thought provoking and inspiring message – thanks Sandra and hoping for a blessed and fun 2019 for you!
Sandra Bennett says
Yes, you’ve a good point Linda Sue. I’m not talking about those tolerant folks who are tolerant only as long as one is in agreement with them. There are those in my life who have chosen to walk away but, choosing the coward’s way out, haven’t said good-bye. These are Christians and I honour their choice but do wonder why. Especially when we’ve been friends for many, many decades. At least I’ve gotten to the place where I’m able to pray for them to be blessed. It took a while for God to soften my heart but it did happen. Thankfully!
FlowerLady says
Great post for the start of this new year dear Sandra. I pray for a deeper relationship with Jesus. He is my strength each and every day.
Have a wonderful 2019 ~ FlowerLady
Sandra Bennett says
Rainey, if someone followed me around all day, they’d think I was nuts! I talk to Jesus and Abba like they’re right here…because they ARE right here. If someone doesn’t believe, that’s them, not me. Frequently, the animals hear me say, “Okay God, I can’t do this by myself. I’m not strong enough so you need to pitch in and help.” Then I try again; I try “whatever” three times and if I’m still unable, I figure God doesn’t want me to do “whatever” for a reason. A daily help is Jesus.
Mandy says
Love the poem Sandra! I’m going to have Joe print it off today when he goes over to the office! That’s one of those things that should be hung on the fridge as a reminder. I think I need to be reminded more to have this attitude.
Sandra Bennett says
Hi Mandy – I’m still sick…keep praying! The poem has always hung where I can see it; now it’s on the laundry room bulletin board with your post card. Isn’t it just the case when we’re feeling poorly, satan will whisper his lies more frequently? My voice is still shot but we need to have a chin wag as soon as I’m able to speak properly. xoxo
CollectInTexas Gal Sue says
Everyone needs these words of positivity and encouragement! And yes, I know something good about you…”You are GOOD through and through. Wishing you a Good and Happy New Year.
Sandra Bennett says
Oh, not so much Sue but thank you! I have my moments, just ask the folks I’ve e-mailed recently to draw them up short. I’ve just reached the point when people dis-respect me, I let them know and tell them to stop. Life is too short to allow oneself to be bullied. May you have a blessed 2019.
Michelle says
Please add my friend Kate to the prayer list!
Sandra Bennett says
Kate’s name is on my prayer list, Michelle. God bless you this year in ways known and not.
ellen b. says
Good words. A very Happy New Year to you!
Sandra Bennett says
Happy New Year to you and yours Ellen.
GretchenJoanna says
Happy New Year, Sandra!
Sandra Bennett says
and Happy New Year to you Gretchen.
ANGELA ALMOND says
Lovely post. We need to encourage one another more, affirm more, bless more…. It’s Grace has brought us safe thus far, and we must pass on thar graciousness to others x
Sandra Bennett says
Amen Angela! Amen.
Barbara Dunford says
Very lovely words. Maybe our politicians should read them?
Sandra Bennett says
Hope springs eternal Barbara…smile.
Deborah says
Lovely post Sandra. I like your new blog format, too. Happy New Year to you, Deborah
Sandra Bennett says
oh Deborah, thank you; I’m still getting used to it and still finding my way around. Actually, stumbling around is more like it! May your New Year be blessed with God’s whisper in your ear.
Teresa says
Happy New Year Sandra!
~Affectioknit-ly,
Teresa
Sandra Bennett says
Teresa, a blessed New Year to you and yours.
Pom Pom says
Happy New Year, Sandra! (BIG HUG!)
Sandra Bennett says
and a blessed New Year to you Karen!