Today I wanted to focus on the importance of people in your life. I knew what I wanted to write about since last night and I ran across this story that went so well with it, check it out:
During my second year of nursing school our professor gave us a quiz. I breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was a joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before the class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our grade. "Absolutely," the professor said. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. ~Joann C. Jones
How many times do we pass by people in our lives who deserve our compassion (attention/love)? I know I do often. This story leads me back to my own life. I work with awesome kids at church... yes I'm a youth leader, but I also work in the bus ministry where you can get involved in students lives and really learn about them and care for them.
Last night we were all sitting in the back of the bus, and the students were joking around and I joking told one of the students his face was ugly.. his natural response was "your momma!" well another student took up for me and said something well then the boy replied again with "your momma" only this time... it wasnt funny. As soon as the statement was made he began apologizing "That wasnt funny, sorry man, I didn't mean to, it slipped out, It's just a habit" I knew what happened.... The young teenager just sat and looked out the window for the rest of the ride.. I heard the boy continually apologizing "I know your mom died, I didn't mean to say that bro". My heart broke for this student, both students actually.
Prior to this happening, me and the young man (mother died) were talking about school and he said he was going into 7th grade for the 4th time. I was like well dont you think its about time for 8th? He just looked away and said yea... what I failed to realize was, his mothers death probably played a huge part in his school.
When I first began this blog I hoped it would open up doors for me to meet and care for people who were hurting, to be able to pay it forward. Since beginning this blog I have met 4 students who have lost one of their parents. I am realizing there is always opportunity to reach out to others, but if we will is the question.
Who will you reach out to today.... and will you? Don't pass by people in your life, God has placed you there for a reason. I wonder if when I get to Heaven God will give me a quiz and the last question be... What was the first name of the student in your youth group, who lost their dad/mom and needed someone to talk to? They passed by you every week, some weeks they even sat with you on the bus... hmm THAT WOULD SUCK. God, give me a clear vision and an open heart to others.
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