Pause

I recently witnessed a small act of kindness that indelibly marked me and undoubtedly made a huge difference in the life of a child. A prominent school administrator was conducting a meeting and saw a student through the window who needed some extra love. He paused the meeting, placed himself at the child’s eye level, straightened the child’s uniform, and spoke loving words of encouragement. It was as if time had stopped. The meeting was no longer important. The only thing that mattered in that moment was a six-year-old boy’s need for love. His need was met because a man was willing to press the pause button in the midst of a busy schedule. The boy gratefully received this act of kindness and went on his way, and the meeting resumed.

I was so convicted by how many times I do not pause whatever I am doing in order to make a positive impact in someone else’s life. It usually does not take an inordinate amount of time to make a significant impact. A lunch break. A quick text or phone call. A hug. Our calendars are filled with many important and necessary duties, but each scheduled task pales in comparison to the eternal significance of fulfilling our calling in Jesus Christ. “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

Our calendars are filled with many important and necessary duties, but each scheduled task pales in comparison to the eternal significance of fulfilling our calling in Jesus Christ.

Lord, open my eyes to see who needs an act of kindness or a word of encouragement. Break my heart for what breaks yours. Give me the courage to pause my tasks in order to serve others.