When I first realized that I may be the only connection for some people to experience the love of God, I changed my approach to how I do things. For example, when my family and I are dining out for a meal, I ask the server what their name is so I can address them by name in our interactions. Then, while we pay the bill at the end of the meal, I take a moment to write a note about the excellent service we received from the server. I conclude my words with “God bless you” or “Smile! God loves you.”
In fact, just last night after our server retrieved the bill, he returned to our table to thank me for the kind words I had written. His countenance indicated how much he appreciated the simple gesture.
While this is a beautiful season celebrating God’s love, it seems that stress can affect many, leaving one feeling anything but loving.
Whether it’s doing last-minute shopping or making preparations, some folks cut each other in lines, use foul language, and can be plain ol’ rude. Sadly, the ones who truly appear to bear the brunt of it are those in customer service, as my oldest daughter has shared. For instance, once when she went to greet a customer and give them their meal in the drive-thru, she was met by their hand in her face with instructions not to speak because they were on the phone.
Yikes!
As the children of God, let’s not only remember what this season is about but let’s be the light He has called us to be. After all, we are interacting with someone’s son or daughter, most importantly, a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father.
That may mean we let someone else take the vacant space in the crowded parking lot or that we show patience as we wait in line at the checkout. That may even mean asking the person at the register how they are doing and thanking them when the purchase is completed.
Simple things with lasting impact.
The best example of all for us to learn from is our Savior, Jesus. We read in Matthew 14:14 how He had compassion on the large crowd and healed the sick. In Matthew 15:32, we read how Jesus had compassion for the people and He fed them. We read in Mark 6:34 how he had compassion on the people and began to teach them. Each life was changed by one interaction.
Dear Friend, rather than allowing weariness and frustration to do the talking for us, may the pure, unconditional love of God shine brightly through what we say and do. May everyone we interact with truly understand why this is a joyous season.
“Always leave things better than you found them … especially people.” (Dr. Henry Cloud)
~Joyce
