He that would have friends must show himself friendly.Coming off of yesterday this stings.
If you sow sparingly, you will get a scant harvest. –Elisabeth Elliot
It would be easy for me to say (and in fact is easy for me to say…and I have said it over and over again) that I have no option to socialize here at work. I could even make it sound like I am patting myself on the back for having a good work ethic. But the fact of the matter is…if I truly wanted to make time to “show myself friendly” here, I would. The sad and sorry truth is, I don’t want to. There are very few people here that I would choose to spend a great deal of time with…and not many others that believe the way I do. So I isolate myself in my corner, telling myself it is because I have too much work to do…but really it is because I can’t be bothered to make an effort.
A very sad and sorry realization.
I do make good use of my time in my corner. I get it all done and listen to sermons or praise and worship music and pray throughout the day…but the fact of the matter is, I wasn’t sent here to edify myself alone. I was sent into this field with seeds and expected to sow…and I can’t even say I am sowing sparingly. Sure, everyone here knows I am a Christian. No doubt they have seen a change in me physically. But how are they to know the change in me spiritually (which is far greater) if they never see me or interact with me?
I have the words of life…and I keep my mouth shut and probably seem too busy to be bothered.
How is that depicting my God? How is that glorifying Him…promoting His church…reflecting the gospel?
Lord, please help me to see beyond the edge of my desk. To see beyond the extra load I am carrying at the office. To truly desire to be a blessing to my co-workers every day. You know my heart needs changing…and only you can accomplish this. Help me to step out and be stretched and truly be a light for your glory. Help me to show myself friendly…to show your kindness and goodness and love…and Joy! And help me to do it regardless of their response…whether or not I ever get invited to a lunch…and not be deterred even if my friendship seems unwanted. Thank you, Lord for your power of conviction…and for how gentle you are in correction. And thank you for what you have done…are doing…and will do. Amen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue (Proverbs 31:25-26).
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor (Proverbs 21:21).
Here's a suggestion:
ReplyDeleteStart paying attention to what people drink. Then, occasionally buy them their drink of choice and leave a brief encouraging note on their desk with the drink. You will be surprised at how someone can be so touched by a small random act of kindness.
Well...I am already "birthday card girl" and "baby gift girl" and all of those sort of niceties. So while your suggestion is a good one...I don't think random acts of kindness is the real issue...because I already do unnecessary, thoughtful things like that. What I think the real issue is, is in the daily making time to "show myself friendly"...take an interest in them as people, in their life, in having conversation with them.
ReplyDelete