Glad to See You

Psalm 119:74 "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your Word."

What do people think or feel as an initial impression when they encounter you? Kind of a tough question. I mean, do we actually know on a scale of 1 to 10 what the response score is to each of us as we encounter people on an everyday basis?

Two observations before I delve into this a little more. Seems to me that some of us are running around without any perception at all of what kind of an effect we have on everybody or anybody for that matter. I am sure there are some who don't care, (or say they don't), what anybody thinks and as one person told me not long ago, "That is their problem!" Wow, I guess it would be. Please understand I am not promoting hypersensitivity to what everybody is thinking or feeling to the degree that we all walk on eggshells all the time. Too many folks demand that all the time already.

What I am suggesting in actuality here is some heightened conscientiousness, not rampant self-conscience. Put simply, I want people to see me and rejoice in the Lord. I don't want people to see me and have a sense of dread or discomfort. When people see me I hope they know, I put my hope in the Lord and for that they rejoice. Once again, I am not saying that everybody has to be overjoyed with us at all times, but especially among us believers, seeing other believers ought to bring us some degree of joy, comfort and hope.

On Sundays, I often say to people that I am glad to see them. I sincerely mean that. Humbly put, I am always thankful that anyone shows up and truly joyful to see people at Grace Harbor for worship. In the same way, I am glad when I encounter people in public or hear from people via email or the phone or especially a letter. We recently received a letter from a friend we had not heard from in many years and it was a big blessing to be back in touch. I think written correspondence is especially appreciated these days. So, two levels of this. How do you respond to people and how do they respond to you. I think some more graciousness could be in order. We surely don't want to give off vibes of being cold or snooty or put-off, when we should be joyful, glad and kind. On the other hand, we sure don't want to be obnoxious, overwhelming or all-consuming, so as to bring out the worst responses in people either. Can you see both sides of it?

Hey, here is an interesting scenario. How about if all those who don't know what a pain in the neck they are get teamed up with those who are rudely insensitive to almost everybody? Hopefully, none of us fall in both categories. The potential for trouble is staggering. Back to the verse, because it really says it well. Let me paraphrase, and add a closing point. I sure hope my hope in the Lord and His Word shows and causes people to rejoice as I return that blessing to them. We Christians ought to be enjoying the experience of seeing each other way more often than we do.

See you soon in Him, Pastor Fred

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