Lessons From The Least Of These

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  

~ Ephesians 4:2

This past week as I was scrolling through Facebook, I noticed a video title that intrigued me. It was an interview with a homeless man, Ronald Davis, from Chicago. I clicked on the link and listened to the utter hopelessness of this man who wanted to work, but no one would hire him because of his attire and lack of home address. He was discouraged, but not bitter. He just wanted the simple things in life like food, a job and a home to return to each evening along with the other commuters who passed him by on their way home from work.

He shared how humiliating it was for him to extend his cup to passerby while asking for any change they could spare, hoping for enough to pay for a sixteen dollar room each night. One man in particular looked at him in disgust as he approached and called him a bum. Ronald was hurt by the comment but, understanding the man’s misconception of his situation, turned and said, “God bless you.”

Immediately, the man was convicted. He came back to Ronald and apologized, saying how sorry he was and that he’d just had a bad day. Then he gave Ronald thirty dollars, enough for almost two nights lodging.

As I contemplated this homeless man’s response to an insensitive comment, I doubted I’d have given the same reply. I probably would’ve been hurt, wanting to lash back at the man. But God used his kind blessing to prick this man’s heart and, in return, Ronald was blessed.

I must say, I’ve had to deal with a few insensitive comments this week and haven’t responded with God bless you. Instead, I’ve reacted in anger and, as a result, feel as if I’m about to explode. I keep praying for God to give me peace toward these people, but it has eluded me.

When I received the second rudely stated and unreasonable request this week, I blew up in front of my daughter, my frustration almost bringing me to tears. She hugged me and said it would all work out, but had to rush back to school for an exam, so we didn’t get to talk.

Later that afternoon, however, she sent me a text stating what an awesome mom I am and she had no doubt I could do a good job and show this woman Jesus’ love by doing so. Then she thanked me for showing her Jesus’ love by the way I love her.

Wow! Out of the mouth of babes. She knew I needed to respond with love and God bless you, while all I wanted to do was pine away in a corner licking my wounds.

Humbled by her sweet praise, I’m going to give it another try. I’m praying for God to fill me with love and compassion toward this woman and to do my work as working for the Lord. I want to please God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength, and this is certainly one way to do it.

Isn’t it amazing how the least of these, a homeless man and a teenage girl, reflect the love of God in such a way as to draw us back to Him?

Have you been dealing with difficult people lately? What was your response? If not one of love, how could you have changed it?

This Is A Test...

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.  ~  John 12:24

Have you ever had one of those weeks when you feel like you’re being tested? When things don’t even come close to going as planned and disappointment, discouragement and even anger become your unwanted new best friend?

This has been one of those weeks for me. I’ve had several disappointments, hurts and downright difficult people to deal with.

Last weekend I came down with a severe infection and had to be quarantined to the couch for three days. Let me remind you that last weekend was Easter and I had plans. Plans I was looking forward to. But instead of seeing family, friends and everybodys’ new Easter outfit, I laid on the couch in misery and despair. I did scroll through Facebook a few times, but that only made things worse. It wasn’t fair that I couldn’t enjoy Easter. So I threw myself a little pity party.

The other day, my daughter, Elise, was supposed to come home to visit my aunt from New York who is staying with my parents for a few weeks. Elise texted me that morning and said she wasn’t going to be able to make it due to the numerous papers she had due. I know she couldn’t help it, but I was still disappointed. So I went to see my aunt by myself.

Then, the final exam came this morning as I read a nasty e-mail from a client, throwing me into a tailspin. I was so angry I wanted to blast back with an e-mail that would set him straight. So I called my husband and had a loud tirade about it with him.

These are all things I struggle to “go with the flow” in my life. I’m a first-born, type A, perfectionist, committed, I’m always right kind of person.  I not only don’t bend with my circumstances, I usually break when things don’t go my way. Ask my husband, the laid back baby of the family. He’s always telling me it’s no big deal if things don’t happen the way I expect. But it’s a big deal to me. Over the years, though, God has humbled me to the point I know I'm not really always right and things can't always be perfect.

But last Saturday as I lay there burning up with fever, I decided to just accept it. I’d already prayed for God to make me well and He didn’t. But he did provide a good doctor on call who knew enough to give me the right prescription. Even though I’d miss all of the Easter festivities, I knew things could be worse.

Just this morning as I was leaving the gym, I met a lady whose mother had passed away last Sunday. Although she declared there was no better day for her mother to meet Jesus than on resurrection Sunday, I could see her wince as she spoke. 

I still have my mother. What a way to put things in perspective.

Then yesterday while I was at Mom and Dad’s, I got to enjoy seeing my aunt and uncle as well as my brother and sister who came by to visit. We had a wonderful dinner together and I left there grateful for the fellowship I enjoy with a loving family.

And today, as I struggled to stop shaking from the anger broiling inside of me toward my client, I prayed and asked God how He wanted me to handle this. I felt led to call a level-headed good friend who works in human resources. She gave me the advice I needed; act like someone who is in control and don’t let him bring me down to his level. Boy, THAT was hard! But I didn’t overreact and handled the situation in a professional manner.

I mention all of this to say God is teaching me the world isn’t about me. It’s about Him, and how I represent Him to others. I can hold a grudge and become bitter, but that only makes Satan jump up and down with glee and he wins. When I picture that, my resolve grows. I don't want Satan to get a foothold in my life. 

It’s hard for me to die to the things I want to say or the plans I’ve made, but that’s exactly what God is asking me to do. He knows in order for me to be a fruitful Christian, I must learn to let the Holy Spirit take control. It’s not easy changing our natural personality into the person God has called us to be, but I know it’s worth the effort. I want Him to be pleased with how I handle those unexpected situations. And so, every day when I get out of bed, I need to remember to forget about my desires, pick up my cross and follow Him. After all, He’s the only One who knows the way.

Have you been experiencing any trials lately, making you feel as if you’re being tested?