People watching

There's nothing like international travel to make you realize just how small the world is. With a quick few hour flight I can almost anywhere in Asia. Sitting in the airport this afternoon, I am struck by the emptiness in my fellow passengers' eyes. Each with some sort of gadget (myself included), sitting with their luggage tucked between their legs, sipping a coffee (myself included), and watching the clock. Each person has their own story, of where they came from and where they are going.
As a child of God I have a choice daily when I interact with people to just go about my business, or to make a concerted effort to love each person that He brings my way. I may not know what I am supposed to say or do, but as I step out in faith, He will give me all that I need to be His hands and feet. I don't take every opportunity the Lord gives me. I so long to though. But I too have my own agenda, my schedule, many times, I just can't be bothered. I have received so much from Him, why is it that I don't give out that freely to others? I give out to people I know, that's easy. But people I don't know? Of course, exercising wisdom and discernment is necessary, but too often that becomes my excuse. I err on being too careful, and miss the opportunities God brings my way for loving people.

Jesus lived with such attentiveness to the Father. He loved people well and yet He took the needed time to be away in prayer. He never questioned His own resources, knowing that He would always have what He needed.

As I travel today, I still have a couple more legs to go, I want to be attentive to His Spirit. I want to be Christ's light to the hurting people around me.

Lord, give my boldness and courage, and a heart to love the people you bring my way.

"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17
"Now the God of peace... will equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ." Hebrews 13:20-21

Comments

  1. StephanieMarch 21, 2010 at 12:10 AM

    Attentiveness to Him... such my heart's desire. And, yet, my schedule, time table and plans so easily distract. I want to learn, with you jen, to be aware of what the Father is doing and take part.

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  2. JodieMarch 22, 2010 at 2:30 PM

    Jenn, you are such an example of compassion and of loving people well! It is so clear through the words you write, as well as through the way you live, that your heart is broken by those things that break the heart of God. Hope you have a wonderfully quiet week, being attentive to Him.

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