More From Tom Smith

Recently I was standing in the store line to pay for my groceries when I noticed an elderly lady in front of me having trouble. She fumbled in her purse trying to find enough money to pay for her items. Meanwhile, the growing line of shoppers grew more impatient. My heart broke for her, so I stepped in and paid her grocery bill. She was very thankful, and a huge smile crossed her wrinkled face. In that small moment, God gave me a chance to encourage someone. I’m typically in a hurry when I go about my life; I wonder how many moments I miss where God wants me to step in and love someone?

God places a high value on all our relationships, including the small “in the moment” encounters we have with people. We each have a unique ability to “be Jesus” to those in our circle of influence. We live in a challenging world, and people have become more isolated, alone, and despondent. Many of us feel less than peaceful because of difficult circumstances. We typically put on brave faces, which makes it tough to know when someone near us is struggling and needs help. It constantly amazes me how much a gift of our time — writing a personal, loving note; making a phone call; getting a cup of coffee; or doing some other caring act — can show God’s love more clearly than we can ever imagine. We can’t make most problems go away, and we can’t begin to understand another person’s trials, challenges, or fears. But we can show God’s love to the people God has put in our path. I pray that we keep our eyes open, listen for God prompts, and are that glimmer of hope, love, or kindness that brightens someone’s world.

Best wishes and peace this Christmas season from my family to yours!