If I was to run across your path in a grocery store, or during the course of everyday business or life, how would I know that you are an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ? Or... how would you know that I was one? I am very interested in this type of discussion because I am acutely aware that I run into folks like you all the time, but I'm not always aware the you are 'one of us', so to speak.
I have noticed, however that many times certain words, sentences or questions can be a tell. Sometimes we just feel like we need to talk to each other and we start a random conversation that turns out to become a lifelong friendship. Sometimes we are completely clueless that we are around each other as we go about our daily lives. So, what is the difference?
I've been thinking a lot about this topic this week as I've been trying to become 'more aware' of those who are around me. Its been a fun little exercise. I go to various places in society and I'm paying more close attention to conversations and behaviors going on around me, and I've actually had a couple of opportunities to talk to some folks that I interact with who seem to be 'like us'. It is turning up interesting results and I have met a few people and connected with them, when perhaps if I wasn't paying closer attention I might not have ever noticed.
On the other side of that coin, I've been becoming more acutely aware of those who are hurting and have needs around me as well. I have found my conscience challenged at times when I hear a woman two aisles over complaining about the fact that she just found out she had cancer, after spending the afternoon in the doctor's office; paying for the medication from the pharmacy as she goes home to digest the bad news and figure out what the rest of her life will be like.
I am starting to take closer notice of the poor and the crippled around me as well. I can't help but ask myself if there is something more I could, something more I should be doing..? I ponder, how can I engage them in a conversation, how can I break the ice, how can I just ignore them and go about my daily business when I know that the Living God lives within me and I may actually have something they need..?
Just figured if I have been experiencing this, perhaps many others of you have been as well. I'd be interested in hearing from you if this is something that you've noticed as well; perhaps we can find a better way of doing something about this together..? Peace... MM
Note From JWR:
-
Today we present another entry for Round 39 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A gift certi...
22 hours ago
1 comments:
I think it's great that you have been developing more of an awareness to the details surrounding you concerning others. I've been practicing contemplative prayer for about a year now and the emphasis and necessity to develop a practice of being centered in the present moment has helped me develop an ever increasing awareness of those around me and for sure, it has paved the way for some interesting interactions that wouldn't have otherwise taken place. And I can relate to witnessing more suffering and pain around you when you start to pay attention to the little details. It really begins to open ones heart and mind to the extreme ranges of joy and anguish that are felt moment by moment on this earth. Thank heavens we have a God of mercy and love that, through a relationship with Him, it is possible to find peace admist the spectrum of experiences and emotions we can have. We have a message of hope and love to share, of compassion and reconiliation. These small windows of opportunity that rest within each moment are ours to use to magnify His Kingdom. Let's use them! :)
Post a Comment