We went on a road trip today. Bera, our host, took us on a historic highlights tour.
We went past a metal power tower that had two symbols on a yellow placard. A skull and a red lightening bolt. I couldn’t read the words but I knew what it was saying. Caution Lethal Voltage.
Then we passed a field of trees. The ground beneath them was well-cared for. To me they were simply trees. But instinctively I knew they had value and a purpose. Simply by the fact that they were planted in rows and someone is obviously still taking care of them.
We then passed through a valley; steep walls of earth on either side. There were so many trees and shrubbery. It was natural and chaotic. But I thought it was beautiful.
I was reminded of what my dad once told me. The roots of the plants keep the dirt from falling. They had so much natural value.
But so many times I feel like we see people like trees.
The ones who are well-kept and “uniform” communicate value in their appearance – without knowing them our brain normalizes them.
The ones who are more natural and “chaotic” aren’t always noticed for their value.
This race has really challenged me to interact with so many various people and to find the gold in each of them.
God always sees our value, even when I don’t see any in myself. I’ve begun asking Him when we are out on the streets evangelizing, “God who do you have on your heart today? What do you want to say to them?” It’s incredible the things my eyes have been opened to!
If you are struggling with seeing the gold in someone in your life, or if you just want to have more hope for humanity, I urge you to simply ask God. He will show you! Not only the universal value in others, but also in yourself!
