This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
“If I Only Knew...”


courageous individuals of many nationalities that support all the serv- ices and businesses that make our lives more comfortable. Maybe less fortunate is not an appropriate term. I just know they work really hard, often working multiple shifts at minimum wage jobs. I wish I could be certain that all my actions, gestures, and words let them know that I respect their effort and them as individuals. And this can go for anyone and everyone, regardless of station, rich or poor. Lone- liness and hurt can hide behind any façade, just look harder. So I guess all these words about “If I only knew” really have to do


The plague of us all is the “if I only knew” syndrome. Once, a friend of mine committed suicide. Everyone was taken by


surprise. You can guess what the operative phrase was… “if I only knew” Or when I did not show up for one of my daughter’s events be-


cause of business, only to find out years later that it hurt her in some small way… “if I only knew” Or when I am in the grocery store checking out and I say nothing


to the person who is bagging my food. Depending on that person’s circumstances and background, it could have hurt. But it is so easy not to look him or her in the eye and to be caught up in the superficial business of the moment. Maybe next time… “if I only knew” Or maybe if I was a little stronger in guiding my children spiritually


by helping them to find comfort in church and hope from faith… “if I only knew” Well, I guess you get the message... But I am feeling there are


hundreds of moments in the day where I could have put others ahead of me. There is a curious feeling rising deep from within that I may have to confront all of my “if I only knews” at that time of final judge- ment. So though much of my life has passed, I see an urgency in try- ing to address every possible “if I only knew” right in the now. My conscience must play a major role in all this. I must listen to it and act upon it with more regularity than ever before. It involves trusting that voice that resides deep within. My biggest struggle is with the less fortunate that quietly exist all around us. Without trying to step on any toes, there is a mass of


with trying to help others, regardless of my often erring judgemental- ism. “If I only knew” how to put a smile on the face of my wife, my child, a friend, a stranger, an associate, or any individual of the mo- ment when it was needed. Looking back into my past I cringe at the lost opportunities, at the


possible hurt unhealed. I now know it is about being in a positive spirit with eyes that search for the always-present opportunities to make a small difference in the moment of another. I reap the small private joys from these acts. And now I give Him the credit for they are done in His name. It is a new world now where He opens all doors, where the heart is close enough to see the need of others. It is a fantastic journey, like being an unseen apostle. For me, this requires dropping the benign parting clichés like “later,” “take care,” “see ya,” “have a nice day,” and (the worst of all,) “have a good one.” The only accept- able substitute can be “God Bless You.” We Christians can be more comfortable in our faith if we use this expression. Try it and you will see the eyes light up in so many faces when you least expect it. Bar- riers and your own discomfort will drop fast, and you will be freer than ever. ReChristianize yourself. His joy is out there for us if we seize it.


Don’t wait for that time somewhere in the future when you would say, “Lord, if I only knew.” It is never too late to start seeing with your heart and saying, “God Bless You.”


By: Chris Bent


After Yale, Bent joined the Navy Seals. His retail career started in New York City and led him to start Best of Everything with his wife, Christina, in Naples. He is active with charities for the poor and others, and leads the “No Walls” Bible class at North Naples United Methodist Church from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays.


36 reflections | BTG


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40