Finding Joy: The Little ThingsSample

Little Thing # 2: Enjoy Good Company

Sure, you talk to family now and then, the chatty co-worker or passerby on the street, but how often do you really listen? The ancient Greek word for “brotherly love” is philia, it implies fondness and respect. Do you have philia for most people that you speak with?

Personally, if I’m fond of someone, I try my best to listen to every word and put great thought into their feelings. I try to show empathy and compassion. However, try as I might, a few may fall through the cracks of my flawed attention span. What about you? When was the last time that you did this with someone? Better yet, what about an elderly person, a co-worker, or a child (even your own)? Often, our family members need this from us the most.

God’s Word teaches us to love one another and be peacemakers. When we show love to others, we please our Father in Heaven. Peace from within increases when we are kind to others and when we take the time to show them that we care.

Allow for time today to show philia to someone, a stranger, or that co-worker that usually talks your ear off, but you never really listen. There is great joy in showing appreciation for good company. You may even gain some additional wisdom that otherwise, you would not have known.