As I rushed out the door, I slung my purse over my shoulder with my phone tucked under my chin, struggling to pull the sleeve of my jacket over my arm. I was running late, again, throwing up a quick prayer to God that He would part the Red Sea of traffic so I might still make my class on time.
In my race to get myself together and out of the house, my quiet time had been shelved with a casual commitment to get to it later. Resolving to listen to worship music on my way to work, my hurried state out the door seemed to set the pace for the day, taking off at breakneck speed and never slowing down. I ran from commitment to commitment, eyes glued to my phone as my feet scurried across sidewalks and through doors, barely noticing anything happening around me until I arrived, frazzled, at my next appointment.
Dropping wearily into my bed at the end of the day I couldn’t help wondering if the discontentment simmering just beneath the surface of my heart was a result of this overfull and overwhelming pace I had let overtake my life.
Jesus always had time for people. He was always willing to be interrupted to address a present or urgent need. Even when it meant another pressing need got delayed. He noticed people and circumstances around Him and never missed an opportunity to serve a need His Father called Him to.
Mark 10:21 tells us, “Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.” Jesus was attentive to the world around Him and took time to really see people and allow the Spirit to stir Him to meet the needs around Him. He saw them and He showed His love for them in personal and practical ways.
I’ve realized if I am constantly rushing around, looking down, eyes glued to my phone I fail to see God at work in the world around me. I miss opportunities to be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs to feel His love and experience His grace.
I fail to see the tears about to spill onto the cheeks of the girl who just got dumped by her boyfriend, never getting to offer her a tissue and an encouraging word.
I miss the chance to open the door for an overwhelmed mom trying to push a grocery cart to the car with 2 kids in tow.
I overlook the elderly man needing an arm of stability as he crosses the street.
God doesn’t need us to carry out His work here on earth. But He chooses to use ordinary people like you and me to meet the needs of others around us, allowing them to experience Him through us. He pours His love into us without limits. We get to pour that love out in service to others, showing them the love of a gracious Father. What an honor that He considers us worthy of such an important call. We are never more like Jesus than when we are loving His people in practical ways. And these love expressions rise like a fragrant offering to the One who is love.
About the Author:
Cyndi Staudt is a writer, speaker, and coach, passionate about helping women live a life of purpose and significance grounded in unshakeable faith. Her reflections on scripture invite you to savor stillness and experience the richness of relationship with Jesus. Cyndi resides in Central Florida with her two kitties and is an adventure enthusiast who enjoys exploring God’s creation.
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https://walkingthewalkministries.com/
