Monday, June 30, 2014
By: Gwen Hitt
Excuse Me...Did You Say Something
Philippians 2:4 Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.
My three-year old grandson expects our complete attention when he is speaking to us or doing something he deems SPECTACULAR. AND if we fail to give it to him, he informs us that we are not looking at him!
Sadly, due to the constant state of "busyness" that most of us reside in, it is often impossible to find the time to give our full attention to others --- even those who are desperately in need of a gentle touch or a listening ear.
I once read that the "practice of paying attention adds a reverence that reminds us that there is something out there bigger than ourselves." It is putting our needs, our plans, our agenda aside in order to make others feel that they matter ... that they are important ... that someone is there for them!
Today's scripture urges us to show interest in the lives of others rather than focusing only on our own circumstances. Unfortunately, the greatest gift that we can offer to others is often the most difficult for us to give ... the gift of ourselves.
My challenge to you TODAY as well as EVERYDAY is to make every effort to pay attention to those you encounter. By doing so, you may be the only person who makes these individuals feel valued - feel loved - feel Jesus!
Dear Lord, Thank You for listening to me ... for always paying close attention to me. Help me to give the gift of myself to others --- to truly be there for those who need me.
I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
Reflection: How can you begin to show others that you are truly paying attention to what they are saying or doing?
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