Jan 28

Jan 28 Conviction to Love

She was standing on the corner of Main Street with a sign. She looked to be in her 20s—not your typical person in need of food or shelter. Was she advertising a car wash? It was 35 degrees outside, so I doubted it. She alternated holding the sign above her head and at chest level. She turned toward me just as my light turned green. Her sign was not what I expected.

“The world is better with you in it. Don’t give up.”

My eyes blurred with tears. I wanted to know her story. Why sacrifice valuable time for something that offered no personal gain? Was this a college project? Did she have a loved one struggling with self-esteem, or suicidal thoughts?

Then, the conviction came. Would I be willing to stand on a busy street corner in the middle of winter just to bring hope to complete strangers?

It’s so easy for me to get lost in my own world. What’s next on my to-do list? What time is my next appointment? When can I stop working so I can eat? What should we have for dinner?

This young woman’s selfless act prompted some soul searching: Can I set aside my self-centered thoughts long enough to notice the needs of those around me? How can I encourage one person today? I may not want to stand on a street corner with a sign, but who needs to hear a version of “the world is better with you in it”?

I’m so glad God made you.

Your smile cheers me up.

I appreciate your hard work.

You bring joy to my life.

Your laugh is infectious.

I am grateful for your friendship.

These are not hard words to say. They require minimal effort on my part. So, why don’t I say them more often . . . to the clerk at the grocery store, to the drive-thru cashier, to the office receptionist, to my sons, to my husband?

I’m asking God to help me see those around me this week, not for what they do, but for who they are. How can I show love to others? What can I do or say to let God’s love and hope shine through me?