There are two types of people - those who come into a room and say, "Well, here I am!" and those who come in and say, "Ah, there you are." ~Frederick L. CollinsWhen we make it all about us we miss so very much. When we make it all about another we gain so much more!! If we walk into a room expecting all eyes on us, are we are so far off base. But if we walk into a room focused on all others, we find blessings in those smiling back. We tend to make life all about us don't we? We seem to wrap ourselves in the attention of others. The more attention we can harness the more important we feel. In that moment we need to realize the insecurity that is causing us to seek to be right smack dab in the middle of everything. That does make us seem important doesn't it? When we are trying to surround ourselves in others we are almost trying to hide ourselves in their contentment.
When we are content with ourselves, we can stand alone and find beauty all around us. We don't have to follow another to feel important or to be noticed. When we are secure within ourselves we can walk into a room and focus on others. I love those people who just walk around and shake the hand of another, give a warm hug and welcome to smiling face. Those people who walk into a room not expecting to be noticed, but by far noticing everyone around them speaks volumes of the depth of love they carry for others.
When we can walk into a room being confident of who we are it speaks louder than words. We don't walk into a room thinking we are better than another, but just being comfortable in our own skin, not trying to jump in an other's pocket trying to wear theirs.
When we take our focus away from us and plant it on others we have the gift of watching them bloom right there where they are. Just taking time to enjoy the company of another we seldom talk to is a gift. Simply reaching out to someone we have yet to have a conversation with makes them feel at ease and makes them feel important. It is a gift to others to just reach out and share, asking about them, being concerned for them, and just wanting to know more about them leads us to growth and brings relationships with people into our lives that impact us powerfully in ways we never expected.
It's when we go outside that box or circle that we really find ourselves and what a gift to spend time with another person. Sometimes all one needs is a smile, or just to say, "Hi, how are you?" How sad to spend life making ourselves the center of everything. How empty of a life is that? But just think how much fuller life would be, how much sweeter if we just reached out daily, making a difference in the lives around us.
When we realize it's not all about us, we will see the whole scope of love that the Lord really carries for His children. We all want to be loved and accepted. We want to be comfortable. And there are just some people who make us feel awkward, small and as though we just don't belong. But the amazing fact is, the only person who can make us feel less is ourselves!!
So today wherever that room is you are walking into, be that person who steps out of the box, out of that comfort zone and reaches out to others, taking their hand and reaching to know the heart of a man. Giving of ourselves, hiding behind Christ, allows others to see the sheer beauty of His love. When we reach out it lets others know they are welcome in our life, and what a feeling that is..
