You just never know who you're sitting next to.
A couple of Sundays ago, I was riding the train home from church, minding my own business. OK, let's be honest, I wasn't minding my own business. How could I when I was acutely aware of the man next to me looking over my shoulder trying to get a glimpse of the book I was reading-- The Christian's Career Journey by Susan Britton Whitcomb. Whenever I'm reading a book that has a Christian theme and I notice that the person next to me is trying to read over my shoulder, I turn my book ever so slightly, affording them a better view. I guess I'm a bit of a Sneaky Evangelist!
Well, at his stop, he got up, turned to me, touched me on the shoulder and warmly said, "Excuse me. May God continue to bless you abundantly through Jesus Christ." Then he jumped off and was gone! While he was speaking I was so flustered I just kept saying, "Thank you!" And then I got all misty. I turned back to my book but couldn't see it for the tears. Being the analytical girl that I am, I checked in with myself to find out why that had brought about such a reaction.
In the rush of my extremely busy to-ing and fro-ing, what he said stopped me in my tracks. It was a seemingly simple blessing, but this "kindness from a stranger" to speak an encouraging word to someone he would never see again really touched me. This stranger took the time and had the love to step out of his personal world into mine. Literally five seconds made an impact on me even several weeks later!
This really proves that we never know the affect our encouraging words, or even a warm smile, have on others. I'll bet you can think of a time when someone came to you and told you how much something you said to him or her meant so much to them--and you don't even remember saying it! Or if you do, you had no idea of it ever being so cherished. This really puts things in perspective.
Calling all Sneaky Encouragers! Here's your mission: love someone with your words today. Give a compliment to the person checking out your groceries. Sincerely thank the bus driver. Send a text to let a friend know you're thinking of her. You never know just how much they might need the encouragement!
. . . SO--did you do it? Leave a comment and let us know how it went!
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