The following is a story I read recently that shared six life lessons.  This was one of them and it rings true everyday of our lives.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and I breezed through the questions until I read the last one: 

“What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”

Surely this was some kind of joke.  I had seen the cleaning woman several times.  She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.  Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant.  They deserve your attention and respect even if all you do is smile and say ‘hello’.”

I’ve never forgotten that lessen.  I also learned her name was Dorothy.

I think we can all remember a time in our lives we can relate to something similar.  It may have been someone we went to school with, worked with, or encountered on the street. We may have felt we were a little more special than they were, certainly cleaner, had nicer clothes and lived in a nicer part of town.  We didn’t need to get to know them or associate with them because we were “different” and maybe “better”.

In 1 Samuel 16:7 the Lord speaks to Samuel.  “Do not consider his appearance or his height.  The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

How many opportunities may we have missed because of our actions or lack of actions, whichever applies?  I have been guilty of this transgression and probably chalked it up to being too busy or having more important things to spend my time doing.  While I didn’t exactly disrespect these folks, I certainly did not give them my attention and respect.

Where would we be if God just decided we were not worthy of his attention and love?  We would be lost and alone and wondering what happened.  We are so fortunate to have the promise of his unconditional love and know he will be with us every step of our lives if we ask.  It is our duty to be more Christlike in our lives and show more love and respect to others.  I pray for God’s help in strengthening me to do His will.

Patty