Thank you for being kind!
Five simple words, but how they stopped me in my tracks. Made me think, reflect back on my actions and wonder what had been the reason behind those words. And I was reminded of the words of my Saviour in Matthew 25:
"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt 25:34-40(KJV)
I was convicted as I thought of my actions from day to day. Did I truly strive to make a difference in the life of an individual who I may never see again? Did I stop to listen to the person who was lonely and just needed someone to talk to? Did I give a glass of water to a little one? Stop and see the little house the little girl had made?
Or did I turn my back on the lonely individual? Frown at the little girl who just wanted someone to look at her little house? Hurry on my path, even though it would have taken a scarce minute to hand the individual a glass of water?
Have I taken time today to place myself in another's shoes? Feel what they may be feeling? Loneliness because their family is far away? Sadness because a loved one has passed on? Joy at the birth of a new soul? Rejoice at the small steps their little child is taking?
Do I truly care about the individuals that I see each and every day?
The challenge I leave for you and for me is to take time to listen. Listen to the heart cry. Listen to the heart rejoice. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of the my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Let the love of Christ in your life, reflect who you are. A new being, a caring soul. Be willing to listen and place them in the care of the Father. Not only will you be rewarded with simple words as "thank you for being kind," but also the eternal reward is one that I can't even begin to imagine. Do as Jesus did and take them "on your knees."
Blessings to you as you "listen" to others.
