Stretch me...

I don't know about you, but there are certain people that get put into my life that I just have a hard time dealing with. In fact, there are some that I just don't want around me at all.

It is in these dealings that I have to remember that God forgave me of all my faults....that He loves this person the same as He loves me....that it isn't up to me to judge this person's character flaws/defects.

So.....what do I do in these situations? Well, I don't do what I used to do.....which was avoid these people or retaliate with my own character flaws, to put it nicely. What I do now is try to be nice. Whatever the situation, I try to be nice. I know this sounds like I am trying to be all goody-goody or something, but that isn't where I am coming from. Truly, it is easy to love the lovable people of the world....those with good personalities or someone who is always there when I need them or the ones that society sees as a benefit. But, I need to remember to love even those that don't fall into those categories. How am I being taught anything if everything is made easy? How am I to learn to love if everything around me is lovely? How am I to grow if I don't stretch?

See, I think that God puts all kinds of people in our lives for all kinds of reasons, and these reasons don't have to be made known to me. The only thing I need to know is that we are all God's people and I need to be His vessel. If that seed needs sown, I want to sow it.....if it needs watered, let me nourish it..........I think you get the picture. If I can help only one person come to know the Lord, then I feel as though I am doing something right. If I can make one person feel better with just a smile.....then plant it on my face. Someone once told me that if I keep my love bucket full it will continue to run over onto everyone I encounter.

Lord, let me shine for You today. Put me in places and situations that make me uncomfortable...that make me stretch...that make me search You out in the crowd. And please Lord, keep me from pushing anyone away with my attitude or behaviors. Keep my love bucket full, Father, that it may sprinkle onto all those I come in contact with that they may come to love you as I do!