Luke 6:35-36“I tell you, love your enemies. Help
and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it.
Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us,
generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is
kind; you be kind.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
A young woman and three
little girls slid into the pew we were sitting on at worship this
morning. It wasn’t long before the smallest child began to fuss. The
woman, who I supposed was the girls’ mother, took the toddler out of the
sanctuary. Soon she was back with the child, telling the older girls,
“She wouldn’t stay.” I’m assuming she tried to leave the child in the
nursery. I attempted to speak with this woman after the service, to
welcome her and let her know that we have classes for all three of her
children during the worship hour...and that I felt these classes might
be a good fit for the girls. But she was approached by the pastor, so
we went on to pick up our own kids from Sunday school.
As I
collected Timothy and Zola from their classes, this same woman
approached me, apologizing profusely for her children’s behavior. I
assured her that no apologies were necessary. I also mentioned the
wonderful children’s classes that are available...and she seemed
genuinely interested. But she continued to apologize. I told her, “I
fully understand...’our’ children are 5, 3 and 2.” “Oh!” she replied
with surprise...and she thanked me. We introduced ourselves, and I
encouraged her to investigate the children’s program further, telling
her how much Timothy and Zola are learning there.
See, until this
young mother realized that I understood her plight, I was just another
grey-headed older person that her children were disturbing in church.
I’m sure it never occurred to her that I might spend a lot of time with
toddlers and preschoolers - and fully understand that they grow restless
quickly and are not prone to sit still and be quiet. Once she
understood that I genuinely empathized, her whole demeanor changed. Her
embarrassment lifted and was replaced with relief that someone not only
“got her”...they also seemed to really care.
How many times are
we judged incorrectly or unfairly because people assume that we do not
understand...and what do we do to correct this? How uncomfortable do we
make others with our indifference? How hard would it be to smile and
say to a mother in the check-out line whose child is having a complete
meltdown...”It’s okay...I’ve been there.” What would be wrong with
reaching out to someone who is caring for an elderly loved one and
letting them know that you have been through this and understand their
struggles – and offering to help in some way that YOU KNOW would be
especially supportive? Or maybe you have experienced the loss of a
precious loved one and see someone struggling with a similar
situation...and you know the gestures that meant the most to you and
might be helpful to this person.
Lots of mommas and daddies are
saying “Good-bye” to kids this weekend and next who will be heading off
to college, that first day of kindergarten or pre-k, or some other
milestone event. If you’ve “been there, done that”...you’re in a
perfect position to step out and offer some kind words and
encouragement...and even a little commiseration. If you are a college
student who has friends and acquaintances that are joining your campus
this fall, why not reach out to them and let them know that you remember
what it felt like those first few days. Offer to “be there” for them
in whatever way you feel would make a difference.
The bottom line
is that we need to look around...to be awake and alert to the
opportunities to give to others with no expectation of anything in
return...to offer kindness, compassion and empathy to those in our midst
– even when they are at their worst. We need to show people that we
truly care...and offer them the love of Christ – whenever and wherever
possible.
It took less than five minutes this morning to reach
out to this young woman and the three little girls (who turned out to be
her daughter and two nieces)...but hopefully, she feels a little more
welcome and a whole lot less self-conscious about visiting our church
and bringing her family. We need to do more of this – to be bold and
stop wasting opportunities to share the love of Christ with others...in
our churches, our schools and places of work, and in the community at
large. Your largest mission field might be at Wal-Mart, in the student
commons area at your school, or even on the sidelines at a pee-wee
football game or dance studio. Look around and see where people need to
be reached...then do what God is calling you to do in Jesus’ name!
People truly don’t care what you know...until they know that you care. What do others know about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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