Everyone Has A Story

My grandpa, who I call Papa, taught me something that has helped mold me into the woman I am today. He told me years ago that when he comes into contact with other people at work or at the store, he strives to encourage them. He explained that he might be the only encouragement for that person that day and he would want to leave them feeling better off about themselves than they did before.

Over the years I have taken my Papa’s lesson to heart. I have also taken it a step further and have tried to see the world not only through my eyes but through the eyes of Jesus. I have made that my prayer for years now and have noticed much more than my own little world. If Jesus were seeing what I was seeing, what would He be thinking and how would He respond? I want to feel the love and compassion for those who are hurting like Jesus does.

Everyone has a story. Every person has gone through the ups and downs in life. Some experience tragic events similar to what we have or experience things that we never will. You never really understand what someone is experiencing until you live it yourself. I remember I had one close friend when I was younger whose parents got divorced but I didn’t realize how painful it was. When my parents got divorced it took on a whole new meaning and was completely devastating to not only me but to close friends and family. That is why it’s important to show compassion to others are going through something even if it does not seem significant to us.

“for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

I have come to realize that when I see someone is acting rude or upset, there is more to it than meets the eye. You never know when someone is going through something very difficult. I’m not saying people are justified to act however they want but I am saying that there is a reason. Hurt people hurt other people. Instead of judging others we need to share the light we have in us with them.

We have an opportunity each day to share a smile, be polite, and speak life into others. Even when they aren’t being courteous or kind you can still be encouraging to them. Remember we can’t see their heart, but God can and we can pray that our eyes will be opened and sensitive to what others are going through. We can really make a difference when we start to step out of ourselves and see what is going on all around us.

A Prayer For You

Lord I pray that You would open my eyes to the world around me so that I can see others the way You do. Help me to recognize opportunities to show compassion and make a difference. Please give me the right words to say and the courage to encourage others today. I pray that Your will would be done above my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.