When I look at everything going on in my community and in the world, I tend to feel discouraged. I want to believe that we care about each other and are willing to sacrifice to take care of the needs of those around us. However, this isn’t how things truly are.
In reality, it is human nature to look out for ourselves first (Psalm 51:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 5:12, etc.). Our default foci are self-preservation and getting ahead. This sounds bleak. However, because we are human and not the animals we sometimes resemble, we aren’t bound by this. We can adjust our foci and choose to be kind and caring to others.
You may wonder why I’m giving thought to something so dismal. It’s because I’ve been contemplating a post shared by my sister-in-law a couple of weeks ago. She gave me permission to share it with all of you:
“Today, a friend offered to buy me a hot chocolate and instead of the frothy, peppermint flavored goodness I was expecting, I got a steaming cup of hot milk. Milk. No chocolate, no peppermint, just milk. So, I called and spoke to a nice lady named Alisha and was told to come back to get a replacement. After work I rode down to that McDonald’s full of righteous anger. I mean just milk! Seriously! Bless it.
After detailing the mistake to the new cashier, I turned around feeling all vindicated, while they whipped up my new drink in the background, and saw a mother with her baby wearing the tiniest little mask I have ever seen. The little girl, who looked to be about two, wore it as naturally as the coat she had on. This was her normal. A world that isn’t safe.
Looking at her made me think about the 3 month old who was killed this weekend by his father, along with his precious mother, while his two siblings hid. This was their normal. A world that isn’t safe.
I thought about my nephew born today.
Man, did I feel like sh÷*. I can get worked up about hot chocolate that turns out to be milk or I can care about the things that really matter. The children who get this world after us deserve kind people and compassionate people. They deserve people who think about others first, what does it matter that they messed up your order. They deserve people who are willing to work and sacrifice for them until the world is one day a safe place for them to live. I want to be the kind of person they deserve.”
Each and every day we have a choice. Each and every encounter we have a choice. We can look to the needs of others and make the world a good place for our children or we can prioritize ourselves and continue making the world an unsafe place.
It is imperative, especially in light of the events of this last week and last year, that we ask ourselves what matters more: A messed up order or being kind to people around us? If, like me, you’re a Christian, then there’s only one right way to answer this question.
Please understand that I’m not pointing fingers here. The truth is that I’m often so focused on myself that I overlook the needs of others. That’s why my sister-in-law’s story struck a chord with me.
Here’s a quick reminder of what this looks like (verses taken from the NET):
“Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.” Luke 6:31
“Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people.” Luke 6:35
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…” Colossians 3:12
“Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another.” Romans 12:10
“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” Micah 6:8
“Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.” Philippians 2:4
I need this reminder daily. I’ve been meditating on it over these last few weeks to try to align my actions with the teachings. I invite you to do the same.
Do you try to prioritize the needs of others? If so, how do you keep yourself focused on this?
Of the many posts you’ve written, I can’t remember one that just made me stop, take a deep breath and relax more. This was beautiful in thought and intent, a great reminder of something we all know but gets lost in everyday living. These have been stressful times and we do deserve chocolate in our hot chocolate without making the extra trip to get it, but there are other things that matter as well. Long- lasting things. Like the influence on others who may be having a bad day or learning or who just made a mistake and will rectify it… or those who depend on others to make a living and lost it and may not recover a business from it, or have lost a loved one or, indeed those who’ve lost their life. If I perish, I would rather the last thoughts someone had of me were of me being kind, helpful, thoughtful, nice… than of me being cranky, rude, insensitive. It takes the same time, space, and footprint. And it benefits each of us. Thank you for this calming moment to reflect on that.
We could all use a deep breath these days!
I definitely want to be remembered as being kind, helpful, and thoughtful. We can do this and still enjoy an occasional cup of hot chocolate!
Thank you for this reminder, Shannon! To be kind and considerate in every interaction. “Each and every day we have a choice. Each and every encounter we have a choice.” May we choose kindness by the grace of God.
Yes, Lisa, and we definitely need the grace of God to do it because it isn’t our natural inclination. I’m grateful He gives us this!
Shannon, I have also been trying to be more mindful of others these days. Everyone has much stress put upon them in just facing each day. May we remember to be kind, gentle, and encouraging to those around us as it could truly make a bigger difference than we ever could realize.
I agree, Joanne. Simple acts of kindness can make a much bigger difference than we realize.
I LOVED this post. Your sister-in-law is so right – we do get worked up over “first world problems” when others struggle for existence. we have a choice every day to be kind, to be helpful, to be generous, to build God’s Kingdom here on earth. Let’s choose wisely!
“First world problems” is an insightful way of putting it, Laurie. It really puts the insignificance of many of our “problems” into perspective.
I so appreciate your perspective, Shannon! If we all could focus on being kind instead of being “right”, things would look differently. I’m praying the Lord will help us focus on him above all.
If we keep our focus on the Lord, then I definitely think He will direct our focus on what is right. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn