Would you cross the ocean?

Lately everything in my news feed has been about loving others. This quote popped up today and it's perfect. 

I also read this story about a homeless man that went out of his way for a stranger. The part that stood out to me is when he said “the truth is that I wouldn’t have even thought about helping him until he went out of his way for me”. Here is the story as told by Tony Biggs the author...

This is Jesse, he is a drifter who live near the bridge in my area. He owns nothing but a bike, a bird and a bag with about 10 items. Yesterday, while I was riding my bike down around the beach, I got a flat tire. I had no choice but to turn around and walk my bike the long walk home.
A few people rode by and didn't really pay me any attention and I didn't expect them to, but as I started walking, headphones in my ears, I noticed the homeless guy from under the bridge saying something to me. At first I thought he was going to ask me for something so I popped my headphones out and asked him what he wanted.... He then replied "I don't want anything bro but I've got a new tube in my bag and you can have it if you want Shocked at first, I said no thanks but he insisted. So I walked over the his little clearing where he had his things and his pet bird sat in a busted cage. 
He opened up his empty bag and gave me the tube (which was one of the very few things he had) helped me change the tire, even pumped it up. I asked him how I could pay him back and he said to me "don't worry about it bro, this is what it's all about. 
The enormity of this situation and the fact the he went out of his way to help me was so humbling. I mean this guy was willing to give me his stuff and didn't want anything in return. To you and I, a bike tube would probably net mean much but to a guy with so little this item must hold enormous value.
I could go on and on about how selfless this guy was to give me, a total stranger, clearly in a much better position than him, some of his possessions...While people like us are so selfishly attached to all our useless crap.
Anyway I just wanted to show you a pic of Jesse with his new Versace lenses, some fresh shoes, a full belly and a cold beer....
Felt good to do something for the dude. I also bought him a couple of weeks worth of food and some seed for his bird.
Man he was ecstatic even had tears in his eyes and couldn't thank me enough. But amidst me sitting there proud of my good deed, and him singing me praises, I suddenly felt pretty bad because the truth is, if he didn't go out of his way to help me, I wouldn't have done anything for him. I ride past this guy all of the time and never even think twice. It really knocked me off of my high horse. Even though we sit around with all of materialistic needs and pass judgement, this dude has something that none of us can buy. I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks for the lesson in humanity. 
Tony Biggs 

I hope this touched your heart like it did mine....Let's go out and change the world by loving everyone!

Time...

Time is something that you can give someone that you will never get back. Time has a way of healing. We all have the same amount of time in each day, and when we give some of our time to others, we are blessed. Time is the most valued gift I can think of. Time is the most precious gift you can give.Time is what it takes to make something wonderful. Time is precious. Time is what it takes to help us to grow. Time can make someone feel important. Time can pass quickly, or slowly. It can be used poorly and can cause regrets, or it can be used wisely and bring blessings. Time can soften hearts, and strengthen testimonies. Time can bring people together and create memories. 

There's time alone, and alone time. Wasting time and time to study. Family time, summer time and vacation time. Time is cherished, and sometimes kept to yourself. 

You hear the saying that it was the perfect timing. You may have a goal in mind, and you know it will take time. Once thing is for certain, time will pass either way. You will either accomplish the goal or the time will pass you by. Time passes quickly, you don't even notice it until it begins to show. 

I've told you my forgiveness story, and about how time softened and healed hearts. You can read my story here http://smallthings2.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-miracle-of-forgiveness.html One of my greatest blessings is truly learning how to forgive. If you are struggling with someone, pray for them. Forgive them! Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons. You still have to forgive them. When you hold onto hate, it's like drinking poison and wishing the other person would die. I've been there and it is so destructive. I promise if you will take the time to truly pray for that person, you will be able to forgive them. Forgive them not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace.