I could feel my stomach churn and
somersault. Knowing what I ought to do but doing the opposite has that
unsettling effect on my gut. But it wasn’t enough, and the words still bubbled
out: “Good luck tomorrow. I’ll be thinking about you and sending positive vibes
your way.”
Seriously? What is a positive vibe? And
just how are my thoughts going to be of any benefit locked inside my thick,
obstinate skull?
Why couldn’t I have just said what I
was thinking: “I hope your surgery goes well; I will be praying for you.”?
If it had been a church friend, I would
have had no problem saying that. But a work colleague out in Washington state
that I was literally introducing myself to and speaking with for the very first
time? Apparently, I’m not so bold.
In fact, I’m ashamed to admit it, but I
caved and took the easy way out. I chose words that had no real or specific
meaning, opting instead for the general and vague. But more importantly, I
missed an opportunity to share my faith.
Sharing your faith doesn't have to be
complicated. But it does mean using some specific words, and I’m pretty sure
“good luck” and “positive vibes” aren’t quite what Jesus expects of us.
Sure, it’s nice to let people know you
are thinking of them. But the choice of words is important. By including, “I
will pray for you,” I would have showed just a glimmer of my faith, as well as
a caring interest in his well being. But that glimmer might have given him
courage to ask about my faith, or open a dialogue; it might have bolstered his
own faith; or it might have been a little water on a seed planted – or the seed
itself! No opportunity is too small for us to show and share our faith – or for
God to do mighty, miraculous work through us!
I have an accountability group of
sisters in Christ, and one commitment I’ve made this year is to find ways to be
a blessing and in so doing live out my faith. Looks like I still have plenty of
room for improvement. Thank goodness for grace. Now, ya’ll pray that I (and
we!) do better next time.
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