Even Me, Even You

"Nobody is too good to perform the lowliest task.  People who worry about the loss of time that such petty, outward acts of helpfulness might entail are probably taking themselves and their careers too seriously..."

"The ministry of bearing with one another is more than simply tolerating difficult people.  It is also learning to hear God speak through them."
--John Ortberg, "The Life You've Always Wanted"

Life hits us where we least expect it sometimes.  We're humming along, doing our thing, feeling good about ourselves and our accomplishments and... BAM!  Something - or someone gets in our way.  A child is lost and needs help finding her parents during your busy shopping day.  A homeless man is asking for money for lunch.  Someone at your workplace needs a ride home from work.  Someone at church is sick and could use a meal delivered.  There's litter in your path as you take your daily walk.  Your spouse has had a bad day and needs someone to talk to.  Your child needs help with their homework.  Your parent needs a ride to the doctor's office.

So many things can stop us in our tracks and get in the way of our perfectly planned days...  Some of them are easy to do, only take a few minutes, and you enjoy the person that needs help.  Ok.  Done.

Some of them take you away from where you want to be and what you want to be doing.  Some may feel risky.  Sometimes the people involved are difficult and ornery.  God still calls us to put aside our prejudices and selfishness and help out... and sometimes...  we hear God's voice coming through loud and clear when we help those we would rather not.  An ultimate lesson in humbleness and service.

As you walk through your day today, and as I walk through mine - let's notice what's going on around us.  Who could use some help - or just a smile?  How is God speaking to you through the people you pass by everyday?  Take some time to travel the day a little slower - look around and really see the people in your life...  How is God calling you to serve?