When we value simple things, hope and encouragement permeate our lives.
Recently, my wife and I met a woman in a store, whom I’ll call Rachel. Candace taught her son, Daniel, third grade several years ago. Rachel shared with us pictures of her three sons in their college graduation robes.
Her pride in, and enthusiasm for, her sons, her “three musketeers” as she called them, was obvious, but admitted she didn’t know what to do with her life as an empty nester. I commented with three hansom sons, her grandchildren would keep her busy, and she smiled, a sparkle in her eyes, but she wanted more.
She said her sons had suggested she take some classes at the local junior college, and she named three classes she had completed, all in English studies, from rudimentary to progressively more challenging. She commented, “I have to take baby steps before I can walk.”
I replied she was walking now. Her eyes became moist and she said, “Do you really think so?” She related how she wanted to train as a home health aide. Candace and I encouraged her to pursue her goal, and we’d pray for her, and she expressed gratitude for the support.
The victory: Rachel saw herself from a new perspective. She realized she was growing, and with continued effort, she could reach her personal goals, and begin a new and fulfilling chapter in her life. For me, I saw Rachel as a person, and felt blessed.
The Bible tells us “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)
God created us in His image, which means we are persons, and meant to function in the framework of relationships. We can convey ideas, have friendships, love, and a sense of community, and much more because our Creator intended for us to have relationship with Him first, and with each other.
My experience tells me when I view others as merely a delay in my day I miss a blessing and an opportunity to bless someone else. I know Jesus sees me as a person whenever I talk to Him, and I want to be more like Him.
Try it next time you greet someone. Pause, and tell yourself, “I want to see this person.” It’s an amazing experience.