Have you ever looked at a woman's hair passing by and thought, "I sure wish my hair could look like that?" But never stopped to think that she could be wearing a wig to cover up her loss of hair from chemo. Have you ever been working out in the gym and thought, "I sure wish my body would look like that after having kids?" But never stopped to think that we should accept the changes of our bodies after God has blessed us with children. There are so many ladies hoping and praying to be able to carry a baby and never get that opportunity. Instead of wishing we had a certain body, we should set personal goals to be healthy. Have you ever looked at that mom with multiple children and thought, "How are they so well behaved? They use manners, they aren't running around the aisles in the store, they aren't throwing tantrums or pouting because they can't have a toy this trip." But we never stop to think that those children could have just lost their parents and they are now in a Foster home or with another family member and they are just too sad to want anything but their parents back. Have you ever glanced at the inside of your girlfriends vehicle while talking after church and thought, "I wish my van was that clean; how do they have the time to clean it?" I am totally guilty on this one. But then I remind myself of those little heart beats on the back seat, and how I wouldn't have that messy car if I didn't have those blessings. So that little mess reminds me of the two little lives I get to spend my days with. So friends when you look in my car you can see proof of life. Proof that no I am not so lazy I can't clean my van, but that I stay busy with making memories with the family and a clean vehicle just isn't a priority to me. Have you ever looked at a happy couple laughing and talking while out to dinner and thought, "I love seeing happy people. It is so much better than the couples that don't communicate, or even make eye contact because they are so busy on their phones?" But never stopped to think that the unhappy couple could be on a break from a child or other relative in the hospital. This could be their first time stepping out of the hospital in days and they are just worn out and trying to update family members and get some food in their system. Have you ever looked at that father playing with his children and thought, "why couldn't my dad have been that happy or carefree with us? Why doesn't my husband even interact with my children?" But never stopped to think of what your dad or husband went through as a kid. He may not have had a father figure, or his father was abusive, so they don't know how to act with their children. I could probably come up with hundreds more of these examples, but what keeps coming to mind is the 10th Commandment and a verse from Philippians. "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's." (Exodus 20:17 ESV) "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:11 ESV)
So when thoughts like these pop into your head, stop and pray. Thank God for your circumstances. Offer a smile, or a compliment, or a helping hand. All of these small gestures can make such a huge change in someones life. As Christians we should respond to everything in love. "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:1 ESV)
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