TODAY THE WORDS are TRADING PLACES. In 1983, a funny movie starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd who by manipulation from a bet by some millionaires, have to trade places. The antics and events from two people who do not have a clue how to live in different worlds provides entertainment for the viewers but lent an inside on how we become comfortable in our position in life and it is hard to “walk a mile in my shoes”. Trading places also comes into play with vacationers who own a condo, cabin, or a house and they exchange a time frame like two weeks with another owner 
who spends time in the other property. This works out well for both parties in most cases, but there is still an air of unfamiliar surroundings and an out of place feeling. Today’s topic has some influx of this feeling which may be a good life lesson for all of us…..to trade places at least in spirit of the other person. It seems the best employers have worked their way up from the same position as most of their employees. They have been in their place; they know the amount of work it takes to do the job; and they may even understand how an employee may not get the recognition they deserve. They do give praise and encouragement. Parents should remember when they were little or young; it helps understand when children make mistakes or in reality they are just being kids. Husbands and wives should put themselves in their spouses’ position. I try to tell my husband how much I appreciate how much work I know it is to keep our yards beautiful, our vehicles running, repairs around the house and so many other things he does for our family. I only trade places in my mind but I appreciate him. He recognizes the parts I play in our relationship too. Now for the deeper thought….as in the movie, there wasn’t a choice on Eddie and Dan trading places but through this exchange, however hard it was for both of them; they learned valuable lessons. I am not saying to physically trade places but the next time you see a homeless person, an overweight person, a young person spreading their wings, or an elderly person taking slower steps in front of you; try to relate to their place in life and be more accepting or kind to them. We may have to trade places one day. Live life; love life; and live life to the fullest by opening our hearts, offering our gift of love and charity and offering God’s plan of eternal life.
DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE:
Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
(c) copyright 2013 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.
