Tom comes up to you while you are at
work and says “How are you doing today?” and you reply the same
reply “doing fine.” Tom says, “I hope you have a wonderful
day,” and smiles as he leaves to go about his day. You think to
yourself that was kind for him to ask and his smile is just what I
needed.
Have you ever had a “Tom” in
your life? Someone that comes out of the blue and says “hope you
have a wonderful day” and leaves with a smile. It gives you a warm
feeling inside and brings a little joy to you, especially on those
days you aren't exactly in a chipper mood.
Now I ask you, are you always that
“Tom” to others? I'm sure all of us can say, “yes I am.”
However, are you “Tom” only when you are feeling good? When you
are in a low, do you still give that smile? I know it is not easy. I
have had trouble especially when I'm stressed out or upset with the
kids or the coworker puts more work on me. Recently I have had the
pleasure of reading some great books and one thing they seem to say
is, choose to be happy today. Yeah right, how can I always be happy
with all that is going on around me. One book went as far as to say
that we should be kind to people even if our encounter is just for a
second because it might be their last. I have been trying it out and
again I say it's not easy. I went to the trusted scripture to see if
there was anything that talked about this. There are many things such
as be kind to your enemy, love your neighbor as you love yourself.
But this time one stood out to me. Now this scripture isn't just
about how we approach people. It is also about being “salted and
able to answer any questions,” but I want to stress the beginning
part of the scripture.
The words come from Colossians
4:5-6. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most
of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace,
seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Everyday we are in front of people and everyday we have an
opportunity to show God's love. Isn't our responsibility to spread
the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The first part to doing this is
talking about how God loves everyone, He even loves the sinner that I
am. If we want for people to see the Lord in us we need to become
more like Him everyday and every way. Simply put God is love. It's
not that we love God but that He loves us first. If someone sees and
feels your love for them they will want what you have, then comes the
questions of “how is it you are always happy?” I'm sure “Tom”
gets that question often. Sometimes literally sometimes in thought.
That is when you need to be “salfted” ready to answer all
questions.
I have found that making a choice
to be happy and give everyone a smile is achievable. You do it
because you realize you are loved by your heavenly Father. The love
He gives you is overflowing so that you need to share it before you
burst.
If you are having a bad day due to
some circumstance then remember that all things work for the good of
the Lord. Even when you are in a trial of life remember it is to
strengthen your faith to give God the glory for getting you through
it. So be happy.
The next time you are in the drive
thru and they tell you to pull up and wait, give a smile and say
thank you for making mine fresh and hot. The next time you are in the
grocery line give the cashier a smile. These situations are just a
little glimpse to God's love. You never know, it could be their last
day on this earth and you'll never have another opportunity to give
them God's love and grace. So seize the day and remember, make today
count.
