Giiiiirrrrrl!
Yep, I am in the south. The weather is warmer and so are the people. It is interesting how differently people present themselves depending on the area of the country in which they live. Anyone who has traveled knows this to be true. As a general rule, the south is friendly, the northeast is in a hurry, the mid-west is full of down to earth hard workers, the southwest is laid back and very much not in a hurry, and the west is filled with people who love adventure. Then there is Florida, the true melting pot, and California, the indescribably different.
In different regions throughout the country, people may present themselves differently. But deep down we are all the same. We are all struggling with something, we are all rejoicing in something, we all have strengths and weaknesses, and we all need the Lord.
Over the past few weeks I have made a point to talk with people, I mean really talk with people. – strangers. Something that has not always been easy for me. But how cool it has been to share in the lives of people, even if only for a few moments. From a deep conversation with a woman who worked at Staples about future things, to a young man excited about learning the gender of the baby he and his wife are having, to a woman who is trying to figure out why she is even here, to a couple who just retired and spoke of the loss of their son, and so many more. Each conversation a tiny peek into the uncertainty, joy, struggle, and pain that these people are feeling. Each conversation an opportunity to share with them the hope found in Jesus. I’d like to say I took this opportunity each time, but I didn’t.
In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus says – “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
At our very core, we are all very much the same. And when it comes to the heart, no matter what the circumstances or how life is going, we all need the Lord.