Seeing Them

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Paul, letter to the Philippians (2:4).

I am reminded of a morning while driving to work a few years ago. Cruising along, the traffic seemed heavier than normal for 5:15am.  Looking in my rear-view mirror, I saw the pretty orange lights of a big rig truck behind me.   The poor guy was trying to maneuver through the morning commute. Cars full of folks that I am confident had not yet been caffeinated to complete awareness of their surroundings.  Like that of a Chess game, I figured if I move over one lane, then move forward around this little white car, I could make room for the big truck to make his move.  Off I went.  Doing so, the truck driver saw the “move” and made his own advance.  As we continued down the road for a few minutes, just as I began my exit off the freeway, the truck driver passed on by, but NOT before reaching his hand out with a hardy wave of “Thanks.”

Do we look and see those around us?  Are we aware?   Do we CARE? Do we see the need and heed?  Or do we see and ignore with a hastily “Go around me!”  Paul speaking to the Christians in Phillipi, proceeding the above verse stating: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.  Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (vv2-3, NLT).

As we cruise through this life—may we be aware. May we take time to look and see how we can help others. When was the last time we made a conscious effort to look into the eyes of those we are with? May we offer a smile to the cashier and ask her how her day is going, looking at her nametag and calling her by name.  May we hold the door while another carries heavy bags of groceries.

Our words of encouragement don’t need to be big and profound, a simple text of “Thinking of you” can go a long way. Perhaps, when possible, hold them, laugh with them, cry and pray.   

Seeing them.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” Hebrews 10:24).