We don’t see Greatness..cuz

I take notes at funerals. I take notes about all the time actually, so it’s really no different to have my notebook, the little aqua green one out and a pen and begin writing. Actually it’s a great diversion in case I need to occupy myself but at the same time have people think I am actually interested. So, though the truth may hurt, you may not be as interesting as you think you are if I am taking notes while you are taking. Never the less, last week I had two funerals to take notes at. The first funeral had many more pages than the second. My heart was at the first with many more years of being invested in the life we were celebrating.

One of the statements made was, “We don’t see greatness cuz we get hung up on the flaws of people.”  While that is a great statement and one we should really seriously think about, I turned it the other way. I want people to not get hung up on my flaws. I want to work on them. I want to not have flaws but the flaws I have I pray fervently that people don’t stumble over them and hit the sidewalk with their chin. We are inspired by Paul not to be a stumbling block.  Romans 14:13  “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this–not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way”  So, if I rephrase that, don’t judge other people and put classifications on them. Don’t look at what they do and determine who they are although that is tempting and perhaps truthful. But rather, focus on yourself being what you don’t think others should be either. Be an example.  Yes, you have flaws. Yes, you have some pretty big things to work on however, don’t focus on your flaws and don’t let them be what others see. Look at others through Jesus eyes- see a work in progress. When people see you, let them see you loving so much that the things that may drive them nutty about you, are just things; love comes out through the holes in your character rather than the attitudes and judgments of the culture.  And mostly, look at other people and see their potential. Look at that little kid running in circles around your feet and tripping you up; look at him as chasing after God. See the little girl twirling in her beautiful skirt, and see her dancing before her heavenly father. Look at the man with the walker and see the years of life under his belt not the bent over shoulders. Buy him lunch and coffee and listen. Look at the haggard mother with three crying children; and if you haven’t had all three crying at the same time you really haven’t lived! Tell her she’s doing awesome. Offer a hand. Encourage with a smile; buy the kids a lollipop! Well, maybe not give them sugar but look at people with the eyes of Jesus not with the eyes of our human condemning spirit.  On Ruth Graham’s tombstone is a saying, “Construction finished. Thanks for being patient.” Look at everyone you encounter as a construction zone. Drive slower, look for potholes, go away from the orange cone and put your brakes on. Fines are always double in a construction zone.Think of that as you encounter people. We are all under construction! Go easy on each other! Look for the greatness; don’t search for the flaws.