I am honored to host Melanie of Only a Breath here today. Meeting Melanie online has been so encouraging as she has such a way of giving to others that is so special and real. She also is a wife and mom who loves to belly-laugh and savor each moment of this precious life. She writes to encourage others and share the hope of God’s unfailing love…. please help me welcome Melanie!
When my alarm clock goes off each morning, I prepare for a busy day of shuttling children, work deadlines, juggling responsibilities, and must often fight the urge to live life in “autopilot” mode. This became apparent to me as I rushed past a friend with a stressed expression and robotically called out “How are you?” to her with my polite, plastered smile — not really paying attention but instead mentally checking my “to do” list for the day.
As I caught myself mid-step, I felt conviction in my heart. How did my actions just make my friend feel? As I rushed past her, barely slowing to hear her response, did I really convey to her that I cared how she was doing?
Would Jesus rush past me as he asked how I was doing?
I turned around and apologized to my friend. You see, she means far more to me than any “to do” list. After taking time to really talk with her, I realized that we all just want to feel loved, understood, and appreciated.
We want to feel important.
I have vowed to replace my robotic “How are you?” with a heartfelt question that conveys compassion and encouragement. How about you? Do you really care how someone else is doing? You have the unique opportunity to share love with each person God has placed in your life. Especially on busy, hectic days, you may the one that has the words of encouragement that God wants them to hear.
He has placed you in their path today for a specific reason…
We may not be able to solve someone else’s problems, but we can show them the love of Christ. We can greet others the way Christ would greet us. Could you imagine running into Jesus in the grocery store? His overwhelming love made an impact on every person he encountered!
Let’s love like Christ and shine for Him in a dark world!
… So tell me, how are YOU?
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” ~ 1 John 3:18
Thanks for this. Relationships ARE far more important than anything on my to-do list. I will remember to stop for people and remind myself to live my life in awareness. :)
Thanks girl – this was such a great reminder for me too! It’s so easy to just run through life. Blessings today.
Thank you so much, Alene, for allowing me the honor of guest posting! I pray today will be a wonderful one for you!
Hugs,
Melanie
I’m so thankful you are here. Great words to slow down and be in the moment as we go through our days! Blessings friend.
I can really relate. I say I want to make a difference, but if anything gets me off track from my schedule I get irritated. I am trying more to embrace these moment that God puts in front of me instead of rushing past. It bothers me when people ask how I’m doing, but really don’t want to know. So I really want to know. How are you doing?
Tanya – I get your irritated feeling. Why do we let this fast pace world dictate we run through it at 90 to nothing. I’m trying to slow and learn this truth here. Blessings.
Such a great post, Melanie! I want people around me to know that I really care. Like you said, my to-do list is not more important than people.
Melanie– this story, and this call to action fits so well with your Word {give} for the year.
In every interaction, you are resolving to give the best of yourself, by truly being in the moment.
You inspire me!
Wonderful post and reminder Melanie. I was fortunate to work at a state university here and I can’t tell you how many times that simple “how are you” or “good morning meant to all the students that I get to interact with everyday…
just a few sincere moments of our time…
It’s a nice surprise to see Melanie over here! This post is such a great reminder! I know I’ve been guilty of running by people caught up in my own schedule and I’ve also been the person with the stressed out look needing someone to stop care. I want to do better…and I probably need to start at home with my hubby and boys. I wonder how many times I’ve missed out on giving them what they need because I’ve been so busy with to-dos. Thanks Alene and Melanie. :)
This is so important to remember…that when we ask how someone is, we really need to ask, and care enough to listen to the response!