How Can I Show Love To Jesus This Holiday Season?
“Well, hello there!”
Turning from the counter, I located the speaker. A solitary elderly man sat finishing his dinner. “It’s getting cold, isn’t it?” he beamed.
Returning his smile, my husband and I began chatting with the friendly gentleman as we waited for our food order. In just a few minutes, we learned so much about him:
- Ninety-two years old, he refused to let a recent heart attack keep him down.
- He shone with pride over his perfect driving record ~ which he maintained over his thirty-plus years as a career truck driver.
- He believed Jesus sat in his truck and protected him when he hit a patch of black ice during a storm.
- Glowing, he pulled out his wallet and showed us a picture of his wife. The first time he met her, he thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
- He described his heartbreak when she passed away.
- A shadow crossed his face when he shared they were unable to have children.
- As we rose to leave, he gave us his name.
My heart broke as we drove away. Although I’m sure our willingness to listen to his life story encouraged him, I wish we could do more. I hate to think of anyone feeling alone in this world.
I’m reminded of something Jesus taught us:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:37-40 NIV)
When we extend love to others, we show love for Jesus. Even if it’s as simple as listening to someone’s memories.
The holidays are now officially upon us. I know how easy it will be for me to get caught up in the flurry of preparations and get-togethers. But I pray the lessons I learned the other night will stay with me:
- Lonely people have names.
- Lonely people have stories to share.
- Lonely people long to connect with others.
Wherever the road takes me during this holiday season, I pray to see the lonely ones: in the crowded stores, seated alone at restaurants, at holiday parties, or anywhere along the path of my everyday life. Once I see them, I pray to extend loving kindness in honor of the One who first loved lonely me. Wherever your travels take you, I pray you can do the same.
Wonderful Shirley. You show true compassion. May we all follow your example.
Thank you, Irene. It was a great reminder for me. And just in time for the holidays. ????
Thank you Shirley to remind us the kindness of our God: as mothers we all do many things for others without even thinking of it : for our children first of all, our husband, our neihbors, a small talk in the elevator or a “hello” in the street to someone we know. This scripture helps me not to feel guilty because I could do more, but it gives me courage to go on and give the best of my heart everyday for God is daily and constantly looking at me and taking care of every details in my days to help me doing my best. It gives me courage (and we all need courage) to go out and smile and open my heart to people! Living in the business center of Paris, just smiling to people in the street or at work is a great challenge :)!
Thank you, Frédérique! I agree. We do need courage to reach out to others. I want to do so much. But then I remember God didn’t call me to “fix the world”, but to live a life of love (Ephesians 5:2). I’m sure your smiles and greetings to others stand out as a beautiful testimony to Jesus. ????