What Do You Think? Wednesday
Sometimes you just don’t hit it off with people. No matter how you engage them in conversation, do a good deed, smile and give a hug, some folks just won’t be your best buds. I knew this when I met one of my husband’s relatives about 10 years ago. The whole night she talked about how the Lord had blessed her with a new home and a new car. She showed off her jewelry and talked about other material ambitions. I’m sure I twisted my face and rolled my eyes a few times before leaving the room. I couldn’t stand being in her presence. When I think back to it I probably didn’t like her because the pride I saw in her was what I hated seeing in myself. I couldn’t express that then, only “I don’t care if I ever see her again, Flynn.” But I did, on Monday, and briefly thought about not acknowledging her because she hadn’t noticed me. I decided against that. After reminding her who I was and getting her name again, she commented on my children and quickly said, “I’m so glad my kids are beyond that stage.” And I mustered a smile and shook my head knowingly; she continued texting, and that was the end of our conversation.
Just the other day at the library some stranger hurried my sons on the elevator and said to me, “I’m so glad my children are grown. I had boys and they were busy.” I simply smiled. What do you say to people who don’t think before they speak, who assault you with their thoughts, who gloat about their gratitude, which serves to shame you? Ten years ago, I would have twisted my face and rolled my eyes and served up some shame of my own. But I have learned to smile and nod and not be tangled on the inside. “It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” Because God has me in the season of small ones and different opportunities, I can gently ignore others who may have despised their season. My best friend Renee’s favorite verse is “The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me” (Psalm 16:6). And I have claimed its message strong in this season of small ones and different opportunities, knowing they all come from Him. I may not hit it off with everyone I meet, but those encounters will always show me how much I have grown (or need to grow), and that is a good thing.
What encounters have you had that showed you how much you have grown or need to grow?
Copyright 2011 by Rhonda J. Smith