One year at Christmas time, my family and I prepared for a fun adventure. In a rare moment when everyone was together, we planned to go see a theater production of “The Nutcracker.”
Our oldest daughter was a senior in high school at the time. I was having one of those, “She won’t be here next year,” moments, as we rushed across the parking lot. We were later than planned and the show would start in a moment.
The five of us scattered a bit as we proceeded down the sidewalk and I realized our oldest was lagging behind. When I turned to see where she was, I realized she was talking to a homeless man and reaching into her purse.
She withdrew some cash and handed him the bills, before walking into the theater.
I was so proud of her at that moment. She didn’t let the rushing of this moment or the anticipation of what she was going to experience ruin her vision in seeing that someone may need help.
She took a few moments to acknowledge another human being, just as Jesus would have done. She allowed this man to be exposed to God’s love through her.
We are charged with that idea in Acts 6:1, that we need to be careful of allowing our excitement or success, overshadow our ability to see what needs done for God. We humans sometimes just get caught up in our own lives, and what is happening in our own worlds. Excitement and success can blind us so easily.
But God wants us to see, really look at the scenes we are in each day with empathy. Who else is there? What is his situation? Can I improve it with a word, a smile, or something tangible?
God wants us to enjoy His gifts. He also wants us to be a blessing to others. We need to keep a sharp eye out for both!
If you, like me, don’t want to miss a moment of either, will you join me in a prayer, asking Him for just that?
Prayer: Dear Lord, please give me your eyes to truly see what is happening around me. Thank you for your blessings and gifts in my life. Please show me where you want me to show up for someone else today. Help me to see Your gifts and remember to thank You. I also want to offer me up for Your use, to show someone Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.