Don’t Miss the Moment
“I feel so good today!”
These heartfelt words came from the young gentleman who was helping me with my groceries. “Really, did something special happen today?” I asked him. He went on to tell me that he had gotten his report card that day and he was excited because he had done so well. When we reached to my car he reached into his pocket, pulled out his report card and proudly showed it to me. I’d never met this young man but I was happy to share in his excitement. I told him to keep up the good work and that I was proud of him. I had about $7.00 left after paying for my groceries so I gave it to him and told him to take that as a small reward for his excellent report card. He left me with a bright smile on his face feeling happy that someone took time to share in his success.
As I got into my car, I thought about that short moment in time and I was thankful that I didn’t miss it. It took but a moment of my time to make someone’s day. But, many times I’m guilty of allowing busyness to cause me to not be present in the moment. I’m guilty of letting an absentminded uh huh, that’s nice or some other non committal response to come out of my mouth when someone is speaking to me. However one of the many qualities that I admire and appreciate as I continuously study the life of Jesus it’s that He was always available to listen, to touch, to impact the lives of those he encountered.
He took a moment to talk to Zacchaeus a man many judged not worthy. Luke 19:1-10.
He made an unscheduled stop on his way to Jairus’ house to speak healing into the life of the woman with the issue of blood. Luke 8:41-48
He took time out with a group of children although his disciples tried to send them away. Matthew 19:13-15
He stopped when he heard blind Bartimaeus calling out to him to be healed. Mark 10:46-52.
In these situations and many more Jesus took time to touch the lives of others.
Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
1 John 2:6(NLT)
From my reading of scripture it never seemed to be a convenient time when Jesus was called upon. However, busy or tired Jesus made himself available to those who needed help or simply wanted his attention for a moment. He did it because he genuinely cared about others. I want to be more like Jesus. I want to live in the moment, to not miss opportunities to listen, to share to show that someone cares…
I’d love to hear about a moment that you were happy you didn’t miss.
I can only imagine the crowds of people who wanted something from Jesus and yet …He was never frazzled. He did what His Father called Him to do.
I love the story you shared about this boy and how kind you were to listen.
I had a moment on an airplane. I was seated in the middle which is a spot I do not like. However, there were two women, one on either side of me. One was watching one of those Housewives reality shows that I dislike. The other was very fidgety. I decided to engage the fidgety one in conversation. What a joy it turned out to be!
By the end of the flight, the one watching the reality show shut it off. The three of us were able to encourage one another. It turned out both women were Christians but had just boarded the plane leaving behind difficult situations. So they were trying to distract themselves.
Instead, we talked about the situations. We agreed to pray for one another. We became Facebook friends and continue to stay in touch. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear and prayer.
A beautiful post you’ve written today!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I enjoyed your post today and this reminder to slow down. I enjoyed your story as well as the one Debbie shared above.
Have a blessed day!
Bethany
Bernadine, a lovely example of the every day opportunities to extend love and compassion to others. Some times I get too caught up in my to-do list that I miss such opportunities.
Wonderful post.
I am so glad that you stopped for a moment to encourage this young man. You are right, busyness does often get in our way to stop for a moment to encourage others. Thank you for the reminder!
I know I have certainly been guilty of this at one time or another. I am on both sides of the fence in this scenario, though. While on one hand I long to be genuinely interested in others much like Jesus was, I have found myself in a dark quiet season in which I felt like people just weren’t hearing me. We all want to be listened too. There will be good that results from this season. I am sure of it. It will always remind me of the unyielding necessity of hearing others out and spending time with them.