As I was doing my devotions this morning, I read Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” I stopped and reread that. We have all heard the poem Footsteps, where when we thought we were alone, is when God carried us during our trials. As I reread this passage this morning, I couldn’t help but put the two together. How amazing to know and feel God’s presence each step of our lives!
Then I thought of the people that we meet, the people that come through our doors – young and old. Do they have that comfort? That constant companion? Some do, some don’t. Some are seeking it; some can’t even begin to think beyond the step they just took.
We talk at OIM about being the Christ example to all we meet. This is how I aim to interact with each person I encounter each day, in person or over the phone. Ken often reminds everyone that a smile can be heard even over the phone. How I totally believe that!
When was the last time someone listened to them about what they were feeling? Who sat with them and just let them unload all their pent-up feelings and frustrations? Everyone has a problem, concern, situation that they deal with. Some are big, some are small, but how do we deal with this? How do our street friends, who are feeling alone and have no one to talk to or lean on? What about the youth? Sadly, I do not have these answers.
My prayer is that each of us become that beacon of Christ’s love to all we encounter. Sometimes a non-judgmental listening ear is what they need the most. Sometimes, it’s being greeted with a smile that reaches your eyes (wearing a mask means they are not able to see the smile), that lets them know that they aren’t alone. May each of us remember we are beacons as we go about our days.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40, 45, NIV).
~Elizabeth, Office Administrator
Comments