“Encourage each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
“How are you?” is how we often begin our conversations. It is part of the North American culture - we say it out of habit.
But how often do we take the time to look in people’s eyes or discern facial expressions or body language or even read between the lines of an e-mail?
Several years ago, just before Christmas, I had a disagreement with one of my co-workers and words were said that hurt me deeply. I felt so alone and rejected; however, God - always alert to our needs - prompted a friend, who knew nothing about what happened, to call and tell me that the Lord had prompted her to pray for me. “Was I okay?” she asked. Her call was very encouraging.
The next day, someone at work offered to do me a favor. This person was not known for going the second mile. Again I knew it was the Lord and I was encouraged.
The following Saturday I picked up some clothes from my seamstress (to loosen the waist a little). As I was about to leave, the seamstress said to me, “How are YOU doing?” Now, she had been my seamstress for over five years and never before had she asked me how I was. Who prompted her? The Lord. Again, I felt very encouraged.
Such a small thing can make such a difference! When you notice someone who looks sad or pressured, take the time to pray for him or her, send an e-mail or a card or simply ask, “How are YOU doing?” It will make their day.
Father, we all seem to be so busy. Cause us not to be so focused on our “to-do lists” that we don’t take the time to look into people’s eyes and ask them, “How are you doing?” Amen.
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