It's Not Necessary to Teach Others...

Let’s be real…it can be tempting to feel like we need to "fix" others or make a big impact on their lives. It’s as if we are seven years old again and we are shouting (and jumping up and down) —Hey, LOOK at me—LISTEN to me…

Charles de Foucald reminds us that simply being present to those around us with love and compassion is enough. When we free ourselves from the need to be heard, seen, validated, recognized…we can open our hearts to others. We can begin to see others through the eyes of Jesus and see others as He sees them—as His creation and as a child of God.

Living in this mindset allows God's light to shine through us. We become instruments of His peace, carrying His love to the broken places—and in today’s world, lots of stuff is broken (including us).

[…] be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

On this Wednesday, may we reflect on how we can bring more presence into our relationships. Let us meet each person we encounter with tenderness and empathy—seeing them as Christ sees them.