I was getting my son’s haircut at a salon. He did a great job, and afterward the hairstylist gave him a lollipop. She gave him a butterscotch one, which I have always hated. Inwardly, I was very upset at this lady. How dare she give my son the worst flavor lollipop! Did she not want to waste a good one (strawberry or watermelon) on my son!?
After she gave him the lollipop, she squatted down to his level and gave him a big smile and said, “Butterscotch is my favorite flavor. I got that one just for you!”
Once she said that, I was simultaneously upset at myself and touched by the woman’s thoughtfulness. She had chosen her favorite for my son. I had caught myself being self-focused again! I needed to understand that my best and someone else’s best may be two totally different things.
I also realized that people are going to do things for me and my family with the best intentions, and I need to stop looking through my own narrative to really understand where they are coming from. I feel sometimes that we have become Kings and Queens of our own precious worlds. But, I don’t want that! I would rather be a servant of God than a Queen of my own opinions.
My opinions are meaningless! I could have told that hairstylist to give my son a different flavor lollipop, but I would have robbed her of giving her best to my son. I want her best, not the stupid strawberry lollipop. I pray that God will allow me to see past my viewpoint and to the good intentions of others!
Memory Verse:
“A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.”
– Proverbs 18:2 (NIV)
Prayer Prompt:
“Lord, help me to look beyond my own opinions and into the heart of others. I want get over my selfishness, so I may catch people giving their best. Father, help me today to encourage another person’s viewpoints. I want to let her know that her opinions are so important and precious. Bring to mind a person that I can encourage today . . .”
Contributing Writer:
Alisa Hope Wagner
Faith Imagined
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