When the weather is pleasant and I have the time, I try to walk to lunch at one of the nearby eateries. There are some really nice winding sidewalks along Medlock Bridge Road.  But, the worst part is crossing at the light. First of all, it takes a while for the traffic signal to flash the white pedestrian crossing symbol signaling it is your time to cross. But even when you cross, the cars coming out of Bell Road do not always want to give you the right-of-way.
 
Yesterday, I walked the crosswalk at a brisk pace so the cars might still make it through the light. Once I got to the other side of the street, I thought I was safe -- until I noticed someone in a red car rolling down their window. I wasn't really looking in that direction until they yelled at me something like, "Hey, get out of the cross walk!"
 
As you might guess, my initial reaction was one of surprise and maybe a little anger. However, when I looked at the person yelling at me, it was one of our church members and a friend -- Bob Noland -- just giving me a hard time. (If you know Bob, this will not surprise you.) My expression of surprise turned to a big a smile when I knew who it was.
 
As I walked the rest of the way to the church, I thought about how quickly our impressions of others can change. What felt offensive at first quickly became a joke between me and a friend. That happened because of our prior friendship. Because I knew Bob, I knew Bob was not the kind of guy who would say something to hurt someone on purpose. I guess it reminded me how important our relationships are as we encounter others in the world.
 
This time of year we celebrate God sending Jesus in the world to build relationships - between us and God, and between us and . . . us. So may the peace of Christ fill your heart this season!

Prayer for Today

Thank you, God, for sending Jesus into our world to restore relationships. As we draw closer to you, show us how we can come closer to one another. We pray this in the name of Jesus - the Prince of Peace. Amen.