The most tragic thing a person can do is to walk this Earth wondering what good they are. It is easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to other people. If I can’t do what other people can, does that make me not as important? I can sit here and think of a thousand things I can’t do that other people can…
I can’t sing on key. I can’t dance worth beans. I can’t impress people with my writing or speaking. I can’t persuade people to follow me. I don’t know how to use technology in the most effective way. I can’t compete in job markets. I can’t keep up in sports activities. I can’t sell things or ideas… I could go on all day with all the things that I can’t do.
But I would rather focus on the things I can do. I may not be the most popular or the best dressed. I may not be one to follow the latest cultural trends or stand out in the crowd. But there are a thousand things I can do…
I can comfort someone when they are sad. I can offer words of encouragement when it is needed. I can listen when people need to vent. I can hold child who needs to be loved. I can hold the hand of someone who needs to know they aren’t alone. I can forgive someone who has offended me, even when they haven’t asked for it. I can pray for those who are sick. I can see those who are invisible to the world. I laugh with those who are full of joy, and cry with those who mourn. I can feed those who are hungry and give a place to rest for those who are weary. I can tell someone they are beautiful when they see themselves as ugly. I share the love of a King who when I needed all these things, provided them for me.
There are times when I feel as though I am not good enough, because I can’t draw the attention of the world. Sometimes it feels as though there are few people who truly see me. But even if God is the only one who ever sees me, how he taught me to love is worth it all.
But it isn’t true. And there are those times when I am reminded that people do see me. And they do look up to me. I went to the alter after service yesterday. I was convicted that I wasn’t focusing my attention on listening for the voice of God enough. So I knelt down at the steps and simply prayed. I confessed to God that I needed him and that I wanted to spend more time with him. While I was praying, a man came next to me and held me tight and asked if he could join me in prayer. I said ‘yes’ and continued to pray. Then he asked me what I was praying about, and I told him. Then I continued to pray. Then he said to me something along these lines:
“You know, I look at you every Sunday and see how you love the Lord. I think to myself that I want to be more like you. And then I see you here praying at the alter, and you tell me that you are praying to be more focused on the Lord and wanting to spend more time praying to him. And now I think how much more I need to be like you, that I can’t catch up because you are so much farther ahead of me. You are an inspiration to me Kamie.”
Then he prayed for me, that I would find time through out my week to see God in everything I do. That I would see him show up in places I wouldn’t expect to see him. I thanked him for his prayer and went to fellowship with other people.
I am weary of hearing praises from people, because I don’t want the praise to stir up pride in me. But when I heard this from someone who is an elder in the church, I am encouraged. Because I realize that even though it seems as though people do not see me, they do. And not only do they see me, they see me as an encouragement to them. The little things that I do, matter. Satan wants to make me feel as though who I am doesn’t make a difference. But that is a lie straight from the pit of hell. I am an inspiration to people to live a life that is worthy of the most high God. And if the only thing I am able to do well on the World Race is to love and encourage my team and the people we meet, it is purpose enough for me. Because that gift that I give is life changing.
“Oh Lord, may I continue to live a life that is Holy and pleasing to you! You are Holy and there is none like you in all the Earth!”
