Second in My Life

It's been a time since I have participated in 5 Minute Friday; but I have missed being part of the group that free writes for 5 minutes on a writing prompt. 2025 seems like a great time to dive back in, so here goes:

SECOND

When I was a kid, I was taught a little rhyme which said,

Jesus, and Others, then You. 

What a wonderful way to spell joy!

I think most Christ followers know - and try - to put Jesus first in their lives and in their daily thoughts. Then we dive into the day and it all becomes about us, about our agenda and what we need to get done.

I'm convicted I do a lot of thinking about me, actually.

But the second part of the JOY formula is to focus on others.

As a wife, mom and MiMi, I felt I had that covered. After all, a family takes a lot of time and attention.

On the other hand, my family is an extension of myself. When they are happy and safe, I feel good. So I could really call focusing on my family the same thing as focusing on myself.

I believe the Others part of that formula means my community. Am I praying for them? Serving them? Really seeing them? Lending a listening ear?

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My 5 minutes are up! Wow, writing time went quickly.

I would like to sum up the past 5 minutes of writing this way: Make room for the second thing which is ministering to others in whatever way God leads you to use your talents.

I think this is one of the keys to living a blest life.

Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, but in humility think more of each other than you do of yourselves. None of you should think only of his own affairs, but should learn to see things from other people’s point of view. Philippians 2:3-4 J.B. Phillips Translation

If I esteem others in my community above myself, and my community esteems me and the others above themselves, then we have a community where everyone is valued. 

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

A current post is How to Survive and Thrive in 2025. I'd be honored to share it with you.

Have you read my Transformation Series? It’s just as vital today as when I wrote it in 2023. Click here to read all the posts.

Also, this time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

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