“Front Row of Your Theatre”

I once was given this very profound piece of wisdom:

Be careful who you “reserve a seat on the front row of your theatre” called life.

These people should be the ones who:

1. Love you unconditionally;
2. Support you without wavering;
3. Encourage you through your doubts and fears;
4. Pray for you daily;
5. Have never stopped believing in you.

Those that only have four out of five of these qualities may need to be moved back to Row 10. Those with two or three may need to be up in the Mezzanine or “nose-bleed” section.  Others may need to be moved to the parking lot.

This is something you do more so “mentally, spiritually and emotionally.” This is done by remaining true to you and to the faith, but discontinuing sharing your heart, dreams, goals and inner-most feelings.

There are many people who have me “seated on the front row” of their lives. And rightfully so…I have and will always adhere to the five characteristics noted above. However, I have “mentally” had to gently move a few of them to the nose-bleed section or in the parking lot of mine.  Although my love for them remains the same, I have sadly had to recognize that the feelings, spiritual love and commitment I have for them were not mutual.

The painful reality is that not everyone is pleased with your happiness or success. Often, it is a reflection of their insecurity or lack. Others are frustrated seeing you take the initiative to do what they are afraid to do.

The Bible reminds us:

Matthew 5:44 (NKJV): But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Matthew 10:16 (NKJV): “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Matthew 7:15 (NKJV): “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

Matthew 7:16- 20 (NKJV): 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

Quotes to Remember:

“Never make anyone a PRIORITY, when all you are to them is an OPTION.” – unknown

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” – Maya Agelou

“Don’t let anyone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of going for yours.” – unknown

“Some people you have to love from a distance.” – unknown

“Haters will see you walk on water and say it’s because you cannot swim.” – unknown

“You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world and there’s still going to be someone who hates peaches.” – Dita Von Teese

“Haters don’t really hate you. They hate themselves because you are a reflection of what they wish to be.” – unknown

You are “on stage” performing in this production we call Life. You have the responsibility to determine who gets to sit on the front row. But, at the end of the day, God is the Audience…