Why aren’t people doing more? What I mean is, why aren’t people doing more things that matter. The problem is that we’re always doing more. But how many of these things REALLY matter. How many of these things make people laugh, or smile, or let out one of those much-needed good cries, or make people feel alive, feel loved.
When I get too busy in life, I’m usually not very happy. There’s a change in me. I’m not allowing enough time for things like this, things that really matter. I get stuck on my to-do list and forget to live in the moment. I can’t stand when I’m like this, because I’m so lost in my world I have a hard time seeing into other people’s.
One of my coworkers dislocated her shoulder and has been out for a couple months. I got to thinking, has anyone sent her a card? Has anyone called or texted and asked how she was doing? We get so busy at work that I sometimes think we’re on autopilot. When I was able to take a step outside of my world and into hers, I wanted to do something. So I picked up a get well soon card for everyone to sign and send to her. It’s something small. And to people that are so consumed with their own worlds it probably seems insignificant. But I think it matters. I think these are the things that make a difference. The things that give us the little boost we need to keep going.
I love doing things like this. They give me so much LIFE. They fill me up. They make my heart happy. Sending random thank you cards is one of my favorite things. I always try to think about how I would feel if I was someone else. If I was the Pastor of my church, constantly giving and listening, raising a family, and just trying to breathe. I think a thank you card would make my day. It would make me feel appreciated, and it’s just what I would need to keep going.
We get so stuck in life, so stuck on autopilot. And we’re doing so many things. Paying bills, cleaning house, fixing this and that. I just wish people could see beyond these things. See that these things matter, but there are some that matter even more.
My friend Andrew said it beautifully, “inspired people inspire people, and interesting people are interested.” When we’re able to be someone who’s inspired by life, we’re able to inspire lives, too. And when we’re able to be interested in something other than ourselves, life becomes infinitely more interesting. Because I like to step outside of my world so much, and become inspired by others, and interested in them, I recognize that I’m much happier than the average person.
‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.’ –Romans 12: 9-10.
Jesus wants us to be looking beyond ourselves and really loving people. We’ve made life so complicated with houses and bills and appointments and time frames. We get lost, and in the midst of all of that, forget what really really matters most. As my friend’s mother says, “people first.”
“The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up.”
