5 Days Of Loving Others With Settle My Soul预览

Noticing Your Necessary People by Karen

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. — Genesis 1:27 NLT

My two small children huddled together, giggling with glee. It wasn’t Christmas or Easter. It was a different holiday— Mr. Brown Day.

Let me explain.

Mr. Brown was our mailman. But he delivered more than just bills and packages. He distributed smiles to those along his route. He was never too busy to chat with a lonely widow or ask a youngster about his Little League game.

We took the kids shopping for trinkets for Mr. Brown: a squirt gun for him to use to ward off the neighborhood dogs and a gift certificate to the local Dairy Queen so he could take Mrs. Brown out for a “fancy dinner.” We baked cookies and poured lemonade into cups. Then we hid inside by our front door 

and waited with party blowers and confetti.

“Surprise!” we shouted as we threw open the door. “It’s Mr. Brown, the best mailman in town! Today is officially Mr. Brown Day!”

To say he was surprised would be an understatement. He wanted to know what all the ruckus was about. My daughter told him we had been studying in the Bible about not just saying we love people but really showing them. Mr. Brown enjoyed the refreshments, gave each child a hug, and then went on his way with confetti still in his hair.

A week later he stood on my porch and said, “I have to tell you— I am still not over Mr. Brown Day.” His voice cracking, he continued, “You know, I have been a mailman on this street for thirty- three years, and no one has ever done anything like what your family did for me. Thank you for Mr. Brown Day.”

Noticing the people who provide necessary services in our lives shouldn’t be an afterthought. We should show love to these necessary people because when we do, we acknowledge the fact that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

Every day and every week, our lives naturally intersect with those of many people, all of whom bear God’s image. Each person in their role demonstrates some aspect of God’s character and His care for us. Our hairstylist cares for the very hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). Our car-pet cleaner can make our carpets as white as snow (Psalm 51:7). (Well, except for that one pesky grape juice stain.) Our medical professionals help us live, breathe, and have our being (Acts 17:28). 

Yes, everywhere we look we see reflections of God’s creative genius and His loving care in the people who serve us. Our lives can take on new meaning and be an exciting adventure if we stop to notice these necessary people.

Which “necessary person” will you bless today?

Father, thank You for the people You have placed in my life who serve me faithfully each week. When I see these image-bearers, may I also see You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Write down at least one necessary person in your life and how you can bless him or her in the near future. Whether it’s with confetti or another way of expressing heartfelt thanks, put something on your calendar so you don’t forget to put action to this plan.