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And the award goes to (Insert your name here). We live in a world where the accomplishments of celebrities are celebrated…Nobel Peace Prize, the Emmy’s, the Grammy’s, Golden Globe Awards. What award is most prized in God’s eyes? I believe that award would stem from the scripture 1 John 3:18 & 22. The award for loving and caring for others..not just those in our comfort zone, but those who need us – period.
A few weeks ago, upon my return to work after spring break, I had a student come up to desk at 8:00am asking me about some makeup work and if there were counselors available. Of course, I had inner anger about being back to work after a week’s vacation and I immediately said to her “It’s 8:00 a.m., the day after spring break. Please give me some time to get settled and I will address your question.” I also commented on her dress code violation and asked her if she had access to a change of clothes. She said she didn’t and I gave her a stern warning.
I wasn’t rude or flippant, I “kindly” pushed her away. Later on, I went to the student and addressed her concern…at least I thought I did. About an hour later, I was in the hallway and I saw the same young lady crying and another teacher was consoling her. Apparently, I had not addressed her concern.
I was immediately convicted and went over to see what was wrong with her. She was telling the other teacher that her brother was killed in a fatal car accident just four days prior. She stated that she came to school so that she would not fall behind in her studies. I tried to console her, but felt ashamed on the inside. Here’s what I learned from the experience:
1. People really matter.
I was so busy doing the work, I missed the person. The work matters, but what’s more important than the work? People. Maybe people will remember the work I did. Maybe they will remember how well I taught the lesson on how to determine the tone of a text. Certainly, they will remember how I made them feel, how I gently greeted them, how I called to check on them. If I want to accomplish whatever it is that God wants me to accomplish, I must accept that people come with the package. There is NO ministry that God will give anyone that doesn’t involve people. He doesn’t give us a gift for the sake of the work, He gives us a gift for the people.
2. How To Really Make An Impact
An Ethiopian proverb states that “Because he lost his reputation, he lost a kingdom.” The kingdom of God on earth is being lost because of how we treat people. Once that reputation is tarnished, we lose the opportunity to minister to people. I am learning that being a person of impact is all about people – how I treat people, how I make people feel, how I acknowledge people, etc. If I treat people horribly (intentionally or unintentionally) or ignore their needs, I lose an opportunity to impact that person. I lose the opportunity to plant a seed in that person’s life.
I am so task oriented that often times, I forget that it’s not the task that matters, it’s the people. Isn’t that what Jesus’ ministry was all about? Love … love for your neighbor. Without it, we are only hypocrites who profess to love Christ. If I had taken a few minutes to look in the young lady’s face, I would have noticed that something was wrong, that she was on the verge of tears. Perhaps a hug would have allowed me to impact her life at that moment. Maybe asking her if everything was okay could have made a difference…Perhaps..
3. Being self-absorbed often results in missed ministry opportunities.
I was so unhappy about having one week off to spend with my family and having that week end (right, I know I have big problems), that I missed an opportunity for ministry. Ministry doesn’t have to take place in the church. In fact, most of it takes place around us: at school, on the train, in line at the grocery store at work,etc. The greatest way to serve people is to pay attention to them, to focus on them even if for a few minutes.
If you believe that there are no coincidences, that everything is by God’s design, every moment has been crafted by His hand, then you must look at everyday encounters as potential opportunities to serve others or to meet their needs.
Lord, I am sometimes so self-absorbed, that I miss great chances to meet the needs of others. Forgive me. Open my eyes to see people around me who may be in need of a kind word, an extra hand, or resources that I have within my reach.
Anonymous
May 7, 2013Amen! Thanks for the reminder. I might have to print this one and take it back to work with me. For those frustrating moments and overwork shifts.
Mina
Mina Jartu
May 7, 2013Jandi, this is awesome. I need to hear this again.when we sang that song on Sunday, I had a reflection. Every part of my body is needed in order for it to function to the fullest. every missing part affect how the body function. So like you said, " people matters". We need each other to make this world a better place. Through that process, people should see the love of God. Thank For sharing Jandi.
J.Harris
May 9, 2013@Mina V, Please do that! They may challenge us at times, but in the end, we have to remember what really matters.
J.Harris
May 9, 2013@Mina Jartu – Mina, yes this is so true! You couldn't have said it better- It is a tough lesson to swallow because sometimes, we just want to do what we want to do without worrying about others.
malaika
May 9, 2013This is good. I see major self work happening here and isn't that what life is all about. You are indeed in a unique position to minister to open vessels that hang on yr every word . I pray that God continues to use you in your work and give you the courage to be obedient even when you dont understand…..
J.Harris
May 10, 2013@ Malaika – Yes, definite self work…when you put it out there, God holds you accountable for it! Love you lots.
J.Harris
May 21, 2013So true…what we give is what we essentially get and people don't give us their all until they see that we care–It took a while for this to sink in, but I'm glad it finally did 🙂