Today I will spend my day traveling back home.....as well as 3,700 other people that have been at the conference I have been at. And as much as I am eager to get back home after living out of a hotel room for 6 days, I have to remember that each person I come across in my travels today is either starting their traveling journey, or on their way back home. Today will be a day of seeing happy people, tired people, people in fear (of flying) and maybe even frustrated and angry people. So I will have the ability to do one of two things today. I can fall into the same trap and let circumstances set my mood today and be happy or frustrated depending on how my travels go or how the people I meet treat me....OR....I can decide before I even step out of my room that every person I meet today is going to need to be treated with an extra dose of kindness, and because of Jesus, I am someone who can deliver that.
Each day we step out into out lives and encounter people that are in every mood possible, but how do we let that affect us? According to Romans 12:2 we are to be different (Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind...), so our moods should not be impacted by our circumstances or other people's moods. I know, that is easier said than done sometimes. But it is possible when you start your day by giving it all to God. Ask Him for an extra dose of strength and patience for when you come across circumstance or people that wants to drag you down. Ask His light to shine brighter in you during those times. Ask Him to help you have the attitude of Christ and truly "love your neighbor" in a time that isn't so easy. (Mark 12:31) Believe it or not, when we step above the situation and let our "Christlikeness" come out in a moment where someone expects us to be mad or frustrated, then we can completely change the attitude of the other person as well.
So today as you start your journey prepare your heart for whatever might come your way by spending some time with God. And if someone comes across your path today that is not having the greatest day, or is not in the best mood...or is just flat out rude, try to shut them down with a huge does of kindness rather than meeting them on their level and letting the circumstances change you. If we are truly called to be set apart, and we are, then there is a reason for it. It is only when we do our best to react the way Jesus would that we will have the impact on someone like He would have had. And it is only in a moment like that when someone will see something different in us and wonder what it is. And that might be just enough to stir up a conversation that will not just change the kind of day the other person is having, but it could also change the rest of their life. I do believe one small act of kindness, done in the name of Jesus, is enough to have a ripple effect further than we can possibly imagine.
God, Thank You that You are patient and kind with us when we deserve it the least. Please help us to treat others that same way. Holy Spirit help us to display the things that you have put in us, and not allow circumstances to draw out our ugly human nature when we are up against difficult times or difficult people. May each word that flows from our mouth and each of our actions bring honor and glory to your name as we represent you in the world today. And please let these things impact the lives of those who don't know you! In Jesus name, Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment