‘Love’ Artwork by Nims, inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas
So as part of my new journey God is sending me on, I have gone back to studying. One day I was feeling overwhelmed and tired, so I decided to just take my time going in on my study day. I knew I would be late but just embraced it and avoided the usual rush.
I started my commute and was listening to a podcast. I got to the station where I needed to change trains and as I got off the train and walked along the platform with other commuters, I was engrossed in my podcast. Walking towards me in the opposite direction was a woman with toddler.
Nothing unusual there you might think. However, what was different about this scene was the fact that the woman was visibly crying. She had her child held in her arms like a baby. I was wondering is she ok. No, I’m sure she’s fine, I told myself. As I got closer it was becoming clear the child was crying and screaming.
I was having a conversation with myself about it and what I should do. I walked past like all the other commuters. However, I was stopped in my tracks by an overwhelming feeling and something said go back.
I stood still for a few seconds then turned around. I went back and spoke to the lady. She was overwhelmed with life and living in the city. It was getting to her and clearly affecting her child. Her husband was working away and she just wanted to get home. She didn’t need anything but was happy for the encouragement that I gave her. Just knowing she’s not alone in feeling how she was, I prayed with her and covered her with the Lord.
I walked with her and she made her way home saying thanks. I wish I could’ve done more. But I’m so grateful that I went back. Grateful that words of encouragement might be all someone needs.
I realised later in the week that it actually happened on Valentine’s Day. A day of love sharing and giving. Yet, it seemed like on that day, this physically upset woman and child walked through a crowded station to a platform without receiving any.
Even I passed her by until I listened to what I would say was the Holy Spirit. He stopped me in my tracks, and I turned around. I realised then that a small act of love was all it took for her to smile. It also confirmed to me that my new career journey was exactly what I needed to do.
So, let us not be afraid to encourage one another in brotherly and sisterly love. Especially in times when we could get so caught up in our own commute in life, that we miss a fellow commuter’s cry for help or encouragement.
‘Love Always’ Artwork by Nims inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas
I would like to leave you with these bible texts and songs…
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NKJV)
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;” Romans 12:10 (NKJV)
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)
Song–
Love God, Love People by Israel Houghton
Friend in Me by The Walls Group
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