Guest Post by Author Lauri Lemke-Thompson
“But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only….” James 1:22 (NKJV).
I had requested a mammogram after I noticed something unusual, so yes, I was scared about possible breast cancer. On my way to the medical test, I stopped at a post office to mail a vital insurance document that carried a deadline.
I didn’t like the answer I was given by the woman behind the desk; this was not a full-service post office and she could not promise what I needed unless I went to the main branch downtown.
In my frustration, I reacted in a rude fashion to the employee.
That evening, I attended a womens’ event at my large church, and I was new there. Lo and behold, who should greet me with a smile? The same lady from the post office.
I couldn’t hide, so I accepted my name tag from her, then crept away to get coffee. “Oh man,” I thought, “I expect other people to be the same person in everyday life as they are at church. Now I’m the two-faced culprit.” I felt busted.
I also felt compelled to apologize to her, which I did. She said she couldn’t even recall seeing me at the post office. Oh, but I remembered her!
Sure, I was fearful and stressed that day, but did that justify my behavior toward her? I think not. The Bible often tells us to treat others with kindness and patience, and I had not demonstrated those qualities that day.
My little story might seem trivial, but it reminded me to be more mindful in my daily interactions. I need to consistently obey God’s Word as I go about my business each day.
Prayer: Lord, help me be a reflection of you, not just in word but in deed. Remind me today, as I go about my day, to treat others with the same kindness and grace you extend to me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Thought: “Live as a credible witness. If our actions don’t line up with the message we’re proclaiming, we risk losing our credibility.” David Jeremiah
A Wisconsin native, Lauri Lemke Thompson appreciates living with her husband in the lovely Ozark mountains in Branson, Missouri. She is active in Christian Women’s Connection (Stonecroft) and the Ozarks Chapter of the American Christian Writers. Her two books, Hitting Pause and Pressing Forward, are collections of her articles and devotions. Her bimonthly column appears in the Branson Globe newspaper.