Ever met someone who was a little "rough around the edges?" Usually, I try to stay away from these types, but on occasion, the gruffness is far too appealing and sometimes even hilarious, and I make it my own challenge to embrace this porcupine. One woman comes to mind is a security officer in one of the airports here. A steely glare from this rather imposing figure sends me straight to the heebie jeebies. She'd look through your luggage. Glare at you on random occasion, and then say you're free to go. When we went to go pick up my parents at the airport here in January, she actully allowed my parents to pass through with their luggage without inspection (they're pretty suspicious lookin creature so you'd imagine my shock at the pass). She still glared and with a quick throw of her hand, ushered them through. I thanked her, asked her her name, and said goodbye. In August, she was again at the airport. I saw her, called her by name and asked how her and her family was. Her countenance completely changed. A big smile exploded across her face (which previously I'd was quite convinced that her facial muscles lacked the capacity to acomplish such a feat) and quickly hurried us through, passed us through inspections, and went to go tell her friend that I followed God (somehow she picked this up through our 3 second greeting). After I picked up my jaw off the ground I wished her and her family good day, asked what clan she was from and then went on my way (important to know around here). Crazy the impact something as simple as remembering someone's name can be. I can't wait till I go through the airport again and have another 3 second conversation with her.
I look back on my own life, and remember who I once was, all the times I spoke without grace, or mercy, or love; times that I hurt others by my careless words or prideful remarks. And, now, I can look back and see those times of ill-approach became fewer and fewer, by His grace. I'm grateful for all those who bore with me, and saw potential for good far beyond I'd ever knew to be possible. I'm grateful for all those who coached me, encouraged me along the way, and were endlessly compassionate, allowing to sample bits of His compassion and love through them. These are people of all ages, from all places and backgrounds. Some may have had only a 3 second conversation with me, and some (one in particular) is joined to me (note: willingly and happily) for a lifetime (crazy guy). Who knows what impact you'll make on someone... sometimes it only takes a second or two (or three).