Remember back to your school
days… some kids were quiet and shy; some fun and friendly; and some bossy and
mean. Why was that? I imagine a scenario like this: woke up having wet the bed,
got up late, parents yelling, no breakfast, teased and bullied on the bus,
forgot homework, couldn’t get locker open… or, imagine a scenario like this:
gently awakened by a calm, loving parent, breakfast hot and ready, prayed over
as they head out the door, a best friend saving a seat on the bus for them,
companionable conversation as they open their locker… get the picture? Can you
imagine how it would affect you? Whether it’s a one day thing or endless years –
it could by why people act the way they do.
The same could be true of
church, or work, or any social club. There is someone rough around the edges.
Sharp. Rude. Bossy. Even mean. Why is that? I know you want to turn and run
before you say something you shouldn’t. But maybe what we need to do is stay
and say something you should. Something nice. Put your arm around their
shoulders. Give a little pat and a smile. Maybe they don’t deserve it but it
could be that they sorely need some gentleness and kindness in their life. And
it could just change the direction of the next few moments – instead of
escalating the spiraling, downward, emotional direction it could take.
Remember the school kids and
do something to make today a little lighter and a little brighter for someone.
Have mercy. Yes, you can. With God… even this is possible.
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