I want to be remembered.

We all do don't we?

Well, I think maybe things are changing a bit.

I feel alive when I'm with the needy. I feel alive when it's chaotic. And I feel alive when most people would look into a room & immediately leave.

What if you noticed the people you walked past more? What if you took a few extra minutes out of your day? What if you looked at name tags and badges in the grocery store or when you in your effortless lifestyle eat dinner at your favorite place to eat and don't think twice about the person serving you? What if when you saw those names you remembered, even if it was just for that day? What if you took some time and you prayed for them, believing that even though you don't know them, God does and He can and will move? What if you took those extra ten minutes and sat on a park bench on your college campus and talked to someone who is lonely and afraid? What if you talked less and listened more? What if you didn't just SEE but you NOTICED? What if you gave up more? What if you believed, were sensitive, and obedient?

You would not even be able to fathom the things you would see. You would see in green and blue and brown and hazel eyes the deep rooted pain of someone who just needs to be noticed. You would see their soul smile when you touched their arm as you said hello or you patted them on the back with a "well done." You would hear their voices--unique to them--and you would hear stories of redemption and pain and life and purpose and loneliness. These stories would completely change your life. They would change your perspective and your time and your entire view of community and humanity. On occasion you would smell alcohol on their breath and drugs in their hair and on their skin, but you'd be moved. You'd be moved because somehow- through circumstance & choice they were brought there, to that place you find them in. You wouldn't forget the look in their eyes when they see Jesus in you. You wouldn't forget their smiles, because you can be certain they haven't smiled in a long time. You wouldn't forget their gratitude, because unlike us, they have thankful spirits. You wouldn't forget their touch when they hug you or pat you on the back. You wouldn't forget those moments, because in those moments you were actually the one meeting Jesus. You would understand the value of a dollar, because to them, it's a bus fare or a drink of water or a portion of a meal or sustenance. You would value time, because you will realize how much power is in it. You would understand pain a little bit more and because of it, you would have a more open heart to those caught up in addiction. You would realize the cruelty of this world and would be challenged to do more kind deeds. You would get the fact that it's really not that hard to bless someone. You would get the whole concept of redemption a little bit more. You would gain faith and lose yourself.

Don't believe me?

Try it.