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| Some of the interesting buttons |
This got me wondering about the history behind each button. Many of them had some thread still attached and a few even had tiny bits of fabric still attached. Some of these buttons are likely over fifty years old. While I will likely never know the details, these old buttons have a story - a story that tells the places they've been, who wore them, and so much more.
These buttons are a lot like people. We all have a story too! While the buttons can't tell us their story, as humans, we are blessed with the gift of communication abilities. Not only are we able to speak to others in person, we have phones, email, text, Facebook, Twitter and more at our disposal anytime of the day. We are capable of asking others about their stories in a variety of ways, checking both and friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. I've noticed both in myself and others close to me, that we tend to get wrapped up in our daily lives, the busy balancing act that working and parenting brings, and we miss so many opportunities to see others around us that are hurting an broken, who have stories to share.
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells us that we are the light others:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
When we get so wrapped up in our own to do lists and daily life, we lose out on the chance to be a light to someone else - maybe a friend who is going through a hard time, or a coworker who is struggling, or maybe even that homeless guy begging on the corner. They all have a story to share and as Christ followers, we have an opportunity to share God's love by just taking a few minutes to listen to them, pray with them, or maybe just let them know that someone notices them and cares.
While I won't ever know the story behind all those buttons I now have, I think those buttons are a great reminder that we all come in contact with different people throughout each day whose stories we can take a moment to listen to. By taking that moment to be the light of Jesus to others, there's a good chance we could play a part in the story of their future AND better yet - we get to play a part in a bigger story, God's story!
Friends, I want to challenge you this week to stop and listen to someone else's story. Sometime this week, take the time to notice some one you don't normally pay attention to and strike up a conversation. It may be a coworker, or an old friend you need to catch up with, or maybe even stop and talk with that homeless guy on the corner. Just be the light shining into someone else's darkness and see what God does with it. I know you will not regret it!
If you decide to accept this challenge, I would love to here about it! Share how this challenge has changed you, or just how God used you to be a light for someone else in the comment section below.
God Bless.
~Lori
