There is a special joy in watching others grow and discover who they are becoming. We see it in children as they mature into adults, developing their own interests, talents, and dreams. Watching that journey offers a glimpse of how the Lord sees each of us, with love, purpose, and delight in our growth.

We are His children, formed from the dust of the earth and brought to life by His breath. He has given each of us unique abilities and opportunities to use them. Even knowing every step we will take and every thought we will have, He remains present as we learn, overcome challenges, and grow into the men and women He calls us to be.

When we begin to see others through that same lens, our appreciation for humanity deepens. We recognize a beloved child of God in every person we encounter, someone with gifts to share, burdens to carry, and room to grow. That perspective invites us to offer more patience, extend more grace, and encourage the good we see taking shape.

This week, make an effort to see others as the Lord sees them. Appreciate who they are, encourage who they are becoming, and find joy in watching them grow.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1

Life moves quickly. Between work, responsibilities, busy schedules, and the demands of everyday life, it can be easy to overlook the moments that matter most. We often find ourselves looking forward to the next vacation, holiday, or special occasion, forgetting that some of life’s greatest blessings are found in the ordinary moments we share with family.

The laughter around the dinner table, a spontaneous adventure, a funny conversation, or simply spending time together can create memories that last a lifetime. These moments may seem small today, but one day, they may become the memories we cherish most. Opportunities to spend time with family will not last forever.

God has blessed us with the gift of family and the opportunity to experience joy together. We should never become so consumed with the busyness of life that we forget to enjoy the people He has placed around us. Make time to laugh, have fun, be silly, and create memories. Not every moment needs to be planned or perfect. Sometimes the unexpected moments turn out to be the very best.

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 reminds us:

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.”

This week, make an intentional effort to slow down and enjoy your family. Put aside the distractions, embrace the laughter, and appreciate the little things. We cannot stop time, but we can make the most of the time God has given us. After all, some of life’s greatest blessings aren’t things we acquire or accomplishments we achieve, but the moments we share with those we love.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Watching these two turtles resting on the stump, I could see that they were stretching toward the warmth of the sun.  Their bodies are not big, and their heads only reach a few inches from the ground.  Yet, that doesn’t stop them from reaching as high as they possibly can.

I wonder what self-imposed limitations you have in place today.  Are you making the mistake of thinking you are small in this world, don’t matter much, and can’t/won’t go very far?

These turtles are only worried about the very small portion of the world on which they sit.  And as small as they are, in a pond full of many other turtles of varying sizes, they don’t let anything hinder them from reaching toward the sky.

Reach toward the Son’s warmth this week.  Stretch as far as you can.  Stand as tall as you are able.  Allow Him to shine on your life.  No one can stop you.  In fact, others may join you in your quest for the Son!

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

In today’s very diverse world, do you ever have trouble figuring out where you fit in?  Do you ever wonder about your purpose, or about why you are the ‘different’ one in the crowd of folks who seem not to care?

Our former neighbors had several animals that I loved watching.  One particular day, I captured this little trio hanging out together.  A goose, a small horse, and a cat — which one of these is not like the others?!  They made for an amusing sight, but you can see that they are quite content with their differences, and neither animal seems bothered by the fact that it is much different from its friends.

The point?  Don’t be afraid to stand out.  Stand up and be different — for the Lord.  God made you different so that you can truly be different.  If we were all alike, oh what a boring world this would be!  God loves you, and He made you to be you.  As you walk with Him and for Him this week, in the world full of look-alikes and act-alikes, be the follower of Christ that God made you to be.  You’ll be blessed, your friends will be blessed, and most of all, God will be blessed.

Just a thought.

Some days unfold exactly as we planned. Others seem to have a mind of their own.

We may begin the morning with a full calendar, a carefully organized list, and a clear picture of how the day should go. Then something changes. A meeting gets moved, an unexpected conversation takes place, or perhaps someone crosses our path whom we never expected to meet. An opportunity appears that wasn’t on our schedule.

It is easy to see these moments as interruptions, but sometimes they are actually part of the purpose of the day.

You may meet someone who helps you in a way you never anticipated. Just as importantly, you may find yourself in exactly the right place to encourage, assist, or support someone else. What seems like a change in plans may actually be an opportunity that could never have happened if everything had gone according to schedule.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) reminds us:

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

There is nothing wrong with making plans. Calendars, schedules, and goals help us use our time wisely. But we should hold those plans loosely enough to recognize when the path before us begins to change.

Not every unexpected turn is a setback. Sometimes the different route is the better route.

So when your day doesn’t unfold exactly as you imagined, don’t immediately become frustrated by it. Pay attention to the people you encounter, the conversations that develop, and the opportunities that unexpectedly appear. Trust that there may be something worthwhile in the change.

Make your plans, but remain open to where the day takes you. Sometimes the days we didn’t plan become the days we needed most.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

This tree was very near the Smoky Mountain cabin where my wife and I spent our anniversary several summers ago.  I thought this area on the tree was interesting.  I’m not certain what caused the damage, though.  Lightening?  No, that would have likely done more damage than just one spot.  Perhaps a bear looking for grubs?  Very possibly.  The point is, I saw what had been done to the tree, and I chose not to be there when the culprit returned.

Sometimes the troubles of this life come, not because of something someone else has done, but simply because we choose to stay where we do not belong.  Maybe that’s the reason behind the saying “curiosity killed the cat.”  Apparently, some cat died while in the midst of something where it should not have been involved.

Let’s practice that long-lost art called “common sense” this week.  Where there seems to be danger, where there are signs of danger, where we see damage caused by danger, there must be danger.  Leave it alone.  

I decided if a bear wanted that tree, he could have it.  If Satan is determined to attack this week (and he is), then I will remove myself from the situation and go on about the Lord’s business.  Do the Lord’s business this Labor Day week.  And be very much aware of surrounding dangers.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Many of you will recognize the bridge in my picture.  For those who don’t, it’s the Alamuchee Covered Bridge on the campus of the University of West Alabama (formerly Livingston University).  I have walked across this bridge many, many times through the years.  Formerly located just out of town, it was moved and preserved some 55 years ago and continues its life as a pedestrian bridge across the duck pond on the college campus.

There are many things I would like to say about this bridge.  One, it serves as a true bridge to carry you over uncertain terrain.  God carries us just so.  Also, the bridge casts a beautiful reflection on the waters below.  And we certainly should be a reflection of God in our troubled world.

But although those things are true, what I really want to remind us of today is that we may age, we may weather, we may be moved from our original comfort zone, and we may be re-purposed from time to time, depending on how God wants to use us, but we are, and will always be, useful to the Creator.

Survey your surroundings, accept your placement, and continue your witness — right where God has placed you.

Oh, and one more thing.  Along with a duck pond, come the ducks.  They are nasty, they make a mess, and they leave things for people to step into.  And yet, the bridge carries on.  As must we.

Just a thought.