I was ready for the day. I had done all the various things to be “presentable” – hair, makeup, clothing. I had quite a few perfunctory errands to run and was about to head out the door. The thought occurred to me that I had taken a lot of care in the “getting ready,” but I had not given a single thought to the people I might encounter throughout the day.
Standing there looking at my now ready reflection in the mirror, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What if I put as much effort into the interactions I would have that day as I did to carefully applying my makeup?”
What if I saw every exchange with others, not as a “transaction” of some kind, but an “interaction” – an opportunity to look someone in the eye, to demonstrate some caring beyond just the business at hand? Even if we are generally friendly, sometimes we can be guilty of just going through the motions. I know I am.
But a smile, a compliment, a genuine expression of concern – these are all more rare than they used to be, and still needed, still appreciated. There may be people who you interact with weekly – maybe it is the teller at the bank, or the clerk at the checkout counter, or the pharmacist, or a server at a restaurant. Ask their name if you don’t know it; strike up a conversation; connect. It doesn’t cost a single thing.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:9-10
I pray we will.
Life By The Way 