My friend received a letter from a stranger last week.
She was telling me about
this girl she passed frequently in the parking lot at our local community
college. She said that every time she saw her, she gave her a friendly smile
and wave, which the girl returned.
Last week, the girl came up to
her, said hi, and handed her a piece of paper. “I have something for you.”
My friend showed me the letter
and it blew me away.
Dear Sweet Stranger,
You must know, throughout this
semester you have been the best part of my day. Life has its HARD seasons, and
the last year and a half has been nothing resembling easy for me. I’ve been
making it through, day by day, but little brings me lasting joy, and it’s
difficult to look forward to the future. Fortunately, I know this won’t last,
so I patiently wait for the next season of growth.
So why do I write you, you
wonder? To thank you. Your smile brightened my day, lifted my spirit, and gave
me a glimmer of joy that lasted longer than anything else in a long while. I
found myself looking forward to crossing paths with you between classes, just
so I could encounter your smile that is so warm and genuine.
Very few people make eye contact,
smile, and greet others they pass. We so easily get caught up in our world, and
forget to notice, and acknowledge, others. I applaud you for setting a
wonderful example of the power of connecting with and “seeing” others. It is
contagious and impacts people more than you know! Keep on keepin’ on, you’re
going a fantastic job.
Love,
A Grateful Passerby
This is an honest, true letter my
friend received last week from a stranger.
Reading it again made me want to
cry.
My friend understands this
Christmas season far better than most. We get wrapped up in our own little
worlds and forget to acknowledge others. Aren’t we so thankful Christ isn’t
like that? He was thinking about us when
He humbled Himself to the form of a human baby, walking on this broken earth,
and died for us.
But my friend took the time
simply to smile at a random stranger. This stranger was a person with deep pain
and who was struggling. To think that a smile could be someone’s only hope in
life right now!
During this holiday season, I ask
you, will it be your smile that gives
joy and hope? Or will you leave the job to my one friend?
Our smiles give hope because we
are alive in Christ. This stranger saw Christ in my friend, and Christ gave her
hope.
Remember people this Christmas season. Remember the pain of those around you.
Remember that your sins are
forgiven, and you are free. Remember that Christ’s joy belongs to you.
Spread it to the world!
THE COMMENT SECTION IS FIXED!!! *happy dance!*
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