Last Updated on April 11, 2018
On a recent business trip there are two families that stand out in my memory. One is a couple who sat down by me at the lunch table at the airport.
“Why are you talkin’ to me?” The woman’s voice was nearly shouting as she glared at her husband. “I’m hungry, and you know I don’t like anyone talking to me when I’m hungry.”
“Yes, I know.” The husband’s words came out as a sigh, and he slumped into the chair and waited as she went to order food.
No matter what the sitcoms say, family life is not about outsmarting others to get what you want or putting down others to make yourself look better. Too many people throw in the towel on kindness and instead pick up their boxing gloves, fighting for individual fulfillment in their family. If you pay attention, the mantra you might see displayed in the actions of family members is, “It’s all about me.”
Contrast the first family with the one who sat at the table after they left. It was a young couple with two preschool-aged kids. They didn’t even speak English, but I didn’t need to understand their words to witness their love and respect for each other. They smiled at each other. They worked as a team, helping to calm two tired kids. They talked with soft voices and gentleness, and they made a good impression, proving our acts do tell more abut us than even our words.
Our world is in desperate need of family members like this—those who strive to love and to serve, even when they’re hungry, tired, and overwhelmed.
Jesus’ followers are called to stand out. To act in a way so unique and appealing that people sit up to notice, “What in the world?” This difference is love shown by a loving, serving heart:
- A husband opening the door for his wife and complimenting her.
- A wife snuggled to her husband’s side with a hand on his knee and a smile.
- Children speaking to their parents with respect and volunteering to offer a helping hand.
Scenes like this get your attention, don’t they? Jesus knew they would. Jesus says,
[verse reference=”John 13:35″]”By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”[/verse]
In many families love has become misplaced and reinterpreted. “You love me if you do xyz.”
The good news is there is a better way. There is a way to be noticed … in the right way. Get “caught” doing these things:
- Watch your tongue. (Enough said.)
- Display gentleness and respect in your body language.
- Don’t think, It’s all about me. Love, give, serve.
- Work as a team in challenging times and with difficult kids.
- Read God’s Word to learn what “a better way” looks like.
- Turn to Jesus and ask His Spirit to fill you and guide you as you strive to live noticeably positive.
- Finally, make kindness your first response, trusting your family members will do the same.
Tricia Goyer has made a career out of writing and using that gift to uplift others. With over 35 books published she enjoys using real life stories to inspire through fiction and non-fiction. Tricia is the mom of six, three grown children and three adopted little ones – that’ll end up being forty years of parenting know how! As a former teen mom she is now dedicated to reaching out to other teen moms. She is a favored speaker at writing events around the country and hosts her own Living Inspired radio program where she shares the inspiration behind great books and ministries. Tricia has been a mom for 24 years, she and John have been married for 23 years.
This is so good. Convicting and so good!
Thank you, friend!