Everyone has stories, fears, passions, and hopes that live just beneath the visible surface, just waiting for someone to say those things matter.
from belonging to becoming: the power of loving people like Jesus did
by Mike Clarensau
Ordinary to Extraordinary: Friends
Have you ever laughed with a stranger? Magic happens in that ordinary moment. It reminds me of something Rich Mullins once said, "If I can make you laugh, I know I can make you like me."
What if we just made it a point to make someone smile? A smile comes before a laugh and smiles are contagious. Chances are people cross your path as you make that ordinary trip to the grocery store, but what do you see clearer, your list or the people in the same aisle with you? I admit, I am often more focused on crossing the string cheese and bag of pretzels off my list than I am at being patient with the pondering patron standing in my way trying to decide on pretzel sticks or rods. In those moments I miss the opportunity for God to transform the moment into something extra-ordinary!
But before the smile comes the eye contact. That point in time in which you look someone in the eye, recognize they are human, acknowledge their presence and simply smile. "Looking at people as though you care to know them can launch you toward the opportunity to do just that." (Clarensau)
Your moment may not be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary, but maybe their's will. The reflection of the love of Jesus in your eyes, combined with the slant of your mouth in a smile, a kind word or two spilling forth and maybe the blessing of a laugh shared could be an extraordinary moment. It may only last for a moment but in that moment a door is open for the transformation of the ordinary.
When bread is served at the dinner table in our home someone always goes and grabs the honey from the pantry. Honey slathered over the top of the bread, spilling over the sides transforms the slice from something ordinary to something quite extraordinary.
"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." Proverbs 16:24
This weekend let's practice this, together. Be it at the mall, at the park or at church Sunday morning. Let's make a new friend, or be a friend to someone, even if only for a moment. You never know. . . the kindness of your eyes could remind him that he matters, your smile could fill the loneliness for a moment or your sweet words could be what brings her back to church the next week.
You just never know how God will use you to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary in someones life.
Have a blessed weekend!
Rachael