“My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself to me.”  Galatians 2:20 NLT

I was at the entrance of a supermarket yesterday and found two little boys who were brothers begging the guard to let them in just to buy juice and were refused.  In an instant, without hesitation, I found joy in engaging myself I the situation and finally convinced the guard that I’ll take them in.  Both their faces lit up that I found no words to describe how I felt.  I told them to stay with me otherwise they’ll be forced to go out.

The older one, Rich (cool name) had so much fun pushing the cart around while the younger one (Anthony) was riding in it.  I asked them this question, “WHAT DO YOU WANT?”  They both gestured to get a chocolate drink each.  I said, is that all the reason why you were insisting to get in?  They said, YES!  I asked again, “WHAT DO YOU WANT?”   Ohhh you should see their faces staring black at me with much surprise!  They didn’t know where to look and what to get!  I reckoned that when one is too accustomed to having nothing and suddenly asked with a “blank check” question, you’ll get a blank stare back!

So, I suggested to get some stuff that I know children like and mind you these two kiddos filled the supermarket with joy.  All the sales people, cahiers and even the guards were rejoicing with them.  They changed the atmosphere of the place and felt like heaven on earth for me.

A few minutes later, we went to the counter and paid.  Rich started to tell his story that the reason why he wasn’t allowed to go in was because the guard was cautious not to let street children go in to beg and disturb the shoppers.  I explained to him, which I know the cashiers heard as well, to just BE THANKFUL because if the guard didn’t stop them, most likely they’ll go out from the supermarket with just a couple of juices for him and his brother in their hands.

When we got out, I told both of them to be good, to study well and asked them about JESUS.  I shared with them that it was Jesus Who blessed them.  Much to my surprise, Rich stared straight into my eyes and said, “I’M GOING TO PRAY FOR YOU, MA’AM!”  I said, “Thank You!”  That melted my heart!  I saw them walked away from me filled with joy but I was equally or even more filled with joy than them.

Notice that when you do something for others that is above and beyond your normal doings, giving hope to the hopeless, strengthening those who are weak, providing for those who have nothing, fervently praying for those who need prayers, encouraging those who are low-esteemed, REGARDLESS of your own situation yet finding DELIGHT and so much JOY in doing all these, then, it is Christ IN you, Who is living His life through you.

We just don’t follow His steps but also His STOPS!  Find time to STOP for the one in front of you.  Find time to stop, go low and help!  Open your eyes to see and ask yourself, “WHAT DOES LOVE LOOK LIKE AT THIS MOMENT?”  Maybe love looks like just a pat on a shoulder or a smile or a listening ear.