Blessed are the meek for they shall inhert the earth. Matthew 5:5
This past week, I watched with keen interest and sadness as the nation and specifically the state of Georgia honored our former first lady, Rosalyn Carter. This former first lady of Georgia and The United States of America was a woman of great intelligence, grace, beauty, faith, and loyalty. It would have been easy for her or any first lady to live a self centered life, but she concentrated on being herself in these positions and filled her life with things that matter. One only had to hear the testimonials of family, media, and friends to know that she will long be remembered for an her unselfish life. She lived a blessed life not because of what she had, but because of what she gave.
When I looked on the pew of the former Presidents, Vice Presidents, and First Ladies of this country, my mind immediately turned to the impression each of them has left on the people of this country, and I couldn’t see any better example of a legacy of service than the one Rosalyn has left. I have loved her since the day I found out that she brought her recipe for Plains Georgia Cheese Ring to the White House and “didn’t give a HOOT what anybody there thought about it!” It’s one of my favorite recipes!!
During this Christmas season, it is sometimes hard to keep in mind just what it takes to live an unselfish blessed life because we get too caught up in our own wants and needs. We want just the perfect gift, the perfect decorations, the most beautiful tree, and the best of everything. It would behoove us all to follow examples of those who put others first.
An unselfish blessed life does three things for us. First, it improves the quality of our lives. It gives us an appreciation for life and a comprehension of its higher values. Seeing people in need and giving to meet those needs sets a lot of things in perspective. What a gift to have people who focus on Angel Trees and give help to others.
Secondly, it makes you part of something greater than yourself. In the mid-1980’s the Merck pharmaceutical corporation developed a cure for river blindness. Unfortunately, even though it was a good product, potential customers couldn’t afford it. The company made it anyway and announced that they would give it free to anyone who needed it. George Merck said, “We try to remember that medicine is for the people it’s not for the profits.”
Finally, living an unselfish blessed life creates a legacy. Jack Balousek, former president of True North Communications said that there are three phases of this life: “learn, earn, return”. When we think unselfishly and invest in others we create the legacy of a blessed life.
During Mrs. Carter’s service as the camera spanned Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church where the service was held, my mind returned to 1973 when I sat in a pew there with several other young wives and watched our husbands receive the Order of Deacons in the UMC. It was the first step toward becoming an Elder in the church and beginning a career as a minister in full connection. I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, this is becoming real. What on earth are we doing?” A blessed life is many times not one of our own making, but rather, following God’s lead through it all.
As Mrs. Carter’s service ended, the choir sang a benediction of blessing by John Rutter which my hometown choir usually sang every Sunday. The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. These words of blessing reassure us that the Lord wants for each of us a blessed life.
“You are blessed when you are content with just who you are, no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” copied
Rosalyn Carter’s Plains Cheese Ring
1 lb. sharp grated cheese
I cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped pecans
1 small onion, grated
Black Pepper
A dash of Cayenne Pepper
Mix and place in a mold. Serve with Strawberry Preserves in the middle and crackers!
Enjoy!
I watched all of the service and was amazed how many countries she visited. When she dressed as a butterfly on Halloween and went up and down the street near her grandchildren, she came back and told the family, “Nobody recognized me”. I can just see her doing that. What a mental health advocate!
So true and thought provoking on just being content. 🤗😍