‘You’ Turns
courtesy freedigitalphotos.net
I’ve made a few U-Turns in my life, and I imagine I’ll make a few more—and not just at a stoplight. But I’m concerned with a different kind these days. I call them You Turns. I notice as I grow older that I’m more concerned with ‘you’ than I am with myself. What a refreshing observation that is. I’m sure if my mother were still alive (It’s the anniversary of her birthday today!) she’d like knowing that. I remember a time in high school when she said with conviction, “The whole world doesn’t revolve around you, Karen. You just might want to focus on others for a change.”
Now why didn’t I think of that? Probably because I was 15 at the time and really did believe the whole world revolved around me.
Today it’s fun to see how many You Turns I can make.
- Chatting with the grocery bagger, a young man who is mentally challenged but who has a smile to die for.
- Complimenting the receptionist at the doctor’s office on her efficiency and welcoming words.
- Waving a driver to go ahead of me into traffic.
- Visiting a neighbor in the hospital as he recovers from bypass surgery.
I feel good when I make You Turns. And I can tell that others like it when I do. One You Turn can lead to another and another until suddenly it becomes a habit to move from self-centered to selfless. I think I’ll stay the course. I like this new direction. My life is becoming brighter and I see the love of Jesus brightening the lives of those around me.
~
“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Thanks for your encouraging words, Karen. “You Turns” sounds like a book title ( :
Thanks, Nancy. A bright idea.
Your post made me smile, Karen. So often the so-called “little things” such as those you mention make someone else’s day and let them know they are valued and appreciated. Your mother was a wise woman — and so are you! I love your “You turns.”
Thanks, Carol. Moms usually know best. 😉
Now I’ll think of “You Turns” every time I make a u-turn or see a sign for it. Great insights, as usual, Karen.
Thanks, Kathy. Nice to hear from you.
Karen, I actually had to laugh when I saw the words Your Turn and then the
U turn!! Just an hour ago I was writing another chapter in my book and in this chapter I went into detail about an accident that happened to me when a man made a U turn in front of me!! I had stopped at a traffic light, noticed a man in the lane across the median that looked like he was thinking of making a U turn and when the light changed he did and since I had barely started to move, I stopped, my care barely touched his passenger side door and I doubt it made more than a tiny dent and then WHAM, I was read ended by a young man driving a pickup truck which actually totaled my car! Grateful no one was hurt!
The Your turn in your writing is a wonderful thought and one that I have learned works many times when I have a problem motivating myself to do something I need to do or feel a little “down” If I turn my thoughts to someone else and make a phone call to someone I know needs a lift I find I am “lifted” perhaps far more than they are and soon I am in the mood to do what I need to do and feel like smiling! THANK you for reminding me that this works every time! Forgive the “laugh” but it just happened! Thanks, again,for another great thought.
Blessings to you. Margaret
Margaret, thanks for your story. You always have words of wisdom to share.
Thank you, Karen. I’ll look for You opportunities tomorrow!
Thanks, Barb. Have fun making your own YOU turns. 😉
Love this, Karen. You turns are all about service. Thanks for the reminder!
Thanks, Heidi. Yes, all about service. Keeps us focused on our recovery and sharing it with others.