To the First Window (11/1/2023)

This week I had to have blood work done early in the morning which meant no intake of food or beverage. Anyone that knows me knows that means that as soon as I was done, I would be looking for a place to fuel up. Lucky for me, as I pulled out of the parking lot of the clinic the golden arches waved me in. I pulled up to the order kiosk and waited for a voice. Almost immediately a most friendly voice greeted me, took my order, recommended that I do it as “meal” to save money, and then after giving me my total due instructed me to pull to the first window. When I arrived at the window, I recognized the person immediately and called her by name. And she looked at me, wide eyed and beaming, as she said, “You remember me?”

I assured her that she was memorable. I had known her from the local market. I could understand her surprise that I was able to identify her in a different environment. She commented again, “I can’t believe that you remember me and my name.” I reminded her briefly of how helpful she always was with customers. “You made my day,” she said, “And you have no idea how much I needed that.”

I thanked her, wished her a good day, and pulled ahead to the next window to fetch my purchase. I pulled over into a stall, parked and ate my breakfast topped off with a latte. I wasn’t sure if it was the food or the conversation with the wonderful young woman at the first window, but I felt like that was going to be a good day, and I decided to go with that feeling.

The young woman stayed on my mind and when evening prayer time came, I brought her to the LORD for blessing and for help. I know how difficult a new job can be, with all there is to learn. I prayed that she would prosper and that she would continue to be the kind person I had come to know.

Don’t we all need to know that we matter, that we are not invisible, that something about us makes us memorable? It’s not that we long for prestige so much as belonging. It makes sense. We are created in relationship for relationship. And without relationships, we flounder, we feel lost. Of course, the two greatest relationships we must foster and nurture are the relationship with our LORD and with ourselves. Seeking to see ourselves as our LORD see us and created us to be is not always easy. But it is essential, for how will we honor the LORD’s command to love one another as we love ourselves if love of self is absent.

This day, as we continue our journeys in faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by the love of the Spirit, let us commit to growing in our love for our LORD and for ourselves, daughters and sons of the LORD, disciples of our Redeemer. Let us allow that love to open us as the sun unfurls the petals of a rose. And let us be ambassadors of the LORD’s love as we go about our day. Let us seek to encounter those who are there to help us and accompany us along the way. Let us encourage one another whenever and wherever possible, even if it is simply by remembering another’s name.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.