A couple of weeks ago I was in my car waiting at a red light in the right-hand lane. It was legal to turn right on red, but I waited as I noticed a gentleman preparing to cross the intersection. I politely motioned for him to cross so that I could proceed to turn. What I thought was a kind gesture, since it was raining out, had a surprising ending. The man was obviously having a rough time, and possibly was homeless as he carried a bag of his belongings. He proceeded to approach my vehicle and yell swear words at me. I was a bit confused as I wanted him to cross before I proceeded. He continued to stand in front of my car and beckoned me to hit him with my car. I along with the other drivers looked astonished, me primarily as I was not sure why he was reacting this way. As he continued to dare me to hit him a calm came over me. I did not get upset and I continued to motion for him to cross the street. The angrier he became the calmer I was. After a few minutes of this and me not responding the way he wanted me to. He quickly proceeded to the car behind me with the same behavior and by this time the light changed again so he moved out of the way. I did not get upset which was surprising to me at first. Why didn’t I? As I drove to my destination the Lord spoke to my spirit and He said, “The man just wanted to know if you could see him.” Wow, that hit me like a ton of bricks in the pit of my stomach. What decisions had he made up to this point in his life that he begged for trouble, altercations, and strife to remind him he was alive? He was so desperate for attention he'd settled for negative attention. What are you doing everyday to SEE people? Do you notice all people or only those of accepted importance based upon socioeconomic status, physical appearance, or ethnicity, etc? This is something to ponder and truly reflect upon. Representing Christ means to SEE everyone not just those of selected importance (Psalm 33:13-15 NIV 13 From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do). God bless you.
Just ending the Thanksgiving holiday makes one reflect upon many things. Seeing family that remind you why you only see them once or twice a year, the money spent trying to out-cook your sister-in-law, and the fact that you need a vacation from your "so-called vacation." What is one to do? Remember that it is the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed and every day is filled with His abundant mercies. Great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3: 22-23)! So the next time you want to have party filled with pity and dread remember to reflect upon all the blessings you've received from Him. If you're having trouble thinking of any... here’s a hint you're able to read this right now, you’re blessed!