Got a Minute?
You may not be able to tell from my writing, but in my real life I exhibit signs of what most people would describe as an "introvert". Introverts are mostly thought to be shy, anti-social, and reserved. Because they don't typically go out of their way to strike up a conversation with strangers, most people view introverts as stuck up or self centered. While I am making a confession of faith today that I am none of those things, there are times when I'd much rather sit in the corner by myself than "work the room" and I'd prefer to text or write someone a note rather than talk to them on the phone and I am uncomfortable with small talk. Very uncomfortable.
On the flip side, although I may sometimes exhibit some characteristics of an introvert, I LOVE PEOPLE! In fact, I am on the Greeters Ministry Team at my church. Wait, I am not only on the Greeters Team, I serve as the Lead of the Greeters Ministry Team! Talk about stepping out of my comfort zone!
Before joining the Greeters Team, the thought of walking up to someone new and introducing myself was daunting. I'd rather whisk by, not make eye contact and quietly mutter my salutations than actually stop and strike up a conversation. But over the years, I've experienced what happens when you take a moment and step outside of yourself and get to know someone else. For me, doing so is an act of faith and it demonstrates that I don't want my emotions or my flesh to stop me from blessing someone else. And it never fails, whenever I take the time and effort to put someone else before myself, I am blessed in returned. In fact, before Greeters begin to serve each week, we read the following prayer together, which has blessed me in all aspects of my life:
Recently, I was having a conversation with one of my Sisters in Christ about one of her friends who had been attending our church but I hadn't seen for a while. She was telling me that one day she and her friend were having a conversation about Berith and her friend mentioned how I was one of the people that stuck out most for her. She said that because I've always made it a point to speak to her and greet her with a smile, she felt like we could be really good friends. Hearing this was so encouraging to me because, while I am ecstatic that I made a good impression on her friend, what her friend experienced was me putting my flesh on the back burner and putting her first.
Recently that same friend graduated from college and today the Holy Spirit led me to reach out to say congratulations. While I could have easily sent her a text, I decided to pick up the phone and call her. Although our call was very brief, I could tell that she was pleasantly surprised and grateful that I took the time to call her. She also said that she will see me at church soon.
Have you ever walked down the street and locked eyes with a stranger and instead of frowning or looking away, they give you a smile or said "hello"? Perhaps you were worried about the cares of the day or deep in thought, but that split-second exchange allowed your focus to change. Or perhaps you were the person who smiled and said hello to someone else. Did you notice the change in their mood?
It is always easy to stay in our comfort zones and be kind to the familiar people in our lives. But today, I urge you to step outside of yourself to make life better for someone new. Perhaps you could call someone who you normally wouldn't and let them know you were thinking of them. Or maybe buy a coworker a cup of coffee. You could even go out of your way to smile at a stranger. I guarantee doing so will not only bless them, but you as well! And guess what? It only takes a minute!
Selah!
~TC
*If you enjoyed reading this WHOAment, you may also like "I Just Don't Feel Like It, TC!"
I love hearing from you! So let's chat!
*When was the last time you went out of your way to make someone else happy?
*Do you prefer to text or call others?
*Do you exhibit characteristics of an introvert or an extrovert?