Sometimes I feel as if I am
riding on top of Jesus’s shoulders as he carries me along the trail of life. Sure, that is a bold statement (and I’m tempted to
knock on wood), but I know He is with me and my life is good. However, it’s not
as if I don’t have struggles, we all do. I suffer with ongoing migraines and
back pain, many of my loved ones have health concerns, and too many have passed
away recently. Plus, the stress of surviving in the chaos that is OC is ever
present. Yet I strive to be as positive and happy as I can be because blessings
abound everywhere I go.
Many times, I will rush
through my day, deep in my own thoughts while out in public. I hurriedly keep my head down, anxious to get
everything done and head back home while avoiding interaction with others. And it
occurred to me that in those moments, I can have a profound effect on others. In
fact, our daily interactions with people can make a difference and sometimes we
can be a blessing to others without even realizing it. Being aware of that is
the first step!
For example, when our kids
were growing up, we attended church quite often. But I was always busy with our four kids, getting
them situated and finding a seat next to my husband. I hoped to blend in,
listen to the sermon, and get on with our day. But then one day a lovely lady,
dressed very elegantly and with a soft voice, pulled me aside and welcomed me.
She inquired if we were new and introduced herself warmly. On further visits,
she always smiled and took time to visit with me. Even though we never knew
each other outside of church, she made me feel welcome… and that truly made a
lasting impact on me! I started making it a point that when I was out in a
similar situation, I would be welcoming to someone else. I’ve always remembered
her grace, and I was saddened to learn recently that she is suffering with ALS.
I have her in my prayers now, just as she always included me in hers.
I have a friend who recounts a
similarly impactful story. She recently
volunteered to lead Vacation Bible School for Foothills Church in RSM and she shared
with me how she would be nervous when she was up on the stage, acting and
telling a story to the children who were intently watching and listening below.
She would smile as she found herself becoming larger than life (out of her
comfort zone) in order to entertain and inspire the kids. Afterwards, at a women’s
retreat, ladies were encouraged to write anonymous notes to one another. When my
friend opened a note left for her it read, “You
are the reason I am here.”. It went on to say, “You’ve been a blessing to my family and our son was so touched by you
at the VBS he attended, that he encouraged our family to start attending church
together.”
As the summer turns to fall and
the busy holiday season comes upon us, I encourage you to reach out of your
comfort zone. All you have to do is
lift your head to realize that your interactions with strangers are just as
important to Jesus as your interactions with your loved ones. You can change
the lives of others with a simple act of kindness, a friendly smile, or even a
simple word of encouragement. Our lives are larger than we think. Just as we
are carried when we need it, our thoughtful interactions might just help us
carry someone else on our shoulders when they need it.
Even the most
routine part of your day can be a
spiritual act of worship, holy and pleasing
to Me.
~ Romans 12:1-2
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