Lessons from Another Country – Think of Others
Lessons from Another Country – Think of Others
Moving up the walk towards the big house a familiar feeling stirred in the pit of my stomach. When I was younger whenever I had to enter a crowd of strangers I would feel very nervous and hope that I wouldn’t be awkward and alone. Today a few of us were attending a dinner and Bible study that was comprised of many strangers, quite a few of whom were international students. I am not very good at small talk and wondered if this would be one of those times when I would stick close to Dad and let him carry the conversation.
Immediately upon entering the house we were greeted by one of the owners who welcomed us warmly, gave us nametags, and directed us to the kitchen. The anxious feeling started to subside as, one by one these lovely international students introduced themselves and made us feel right at home. By the end of the night I was elated and felt that I had just made a few new “best friends.” What a difference it made to have people show interest in me!
This experience got me thinking. How often do I reach out to others who may be different from me or whom I don’t know? Even if reaching out to others is outside my comfort zone, I should still push myself to do it. When we put our own personal interests aside and look out for others, we can truly be a blessing. It is sad to admit, but even in our churches many hurting and lonely people have left as they feel ignored and passed over. If we were to obey today’s verse and “do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than ourselves,” then there would be a lot less lonely people in the world – and we would be enriched as well.
I had a great time the other night. I entered with a feeling of apprehension and left with elation – all because some new friends thought of someone other than themselves. Who can you encourage today?
Love,
Mama