A Christian author of romantic suspense and mystery, Gail Pallotta, gave me this devotional about where she unexpectedly found God in her day. I think it is a good reminder of how we can be a positive influence on others…
A few Sundays ago, I heard a minister say we need Christian disciples today more than ever. He added that he even thanked people for doing their jobs right.
I related to that…
I recently shopped for a certain kind of shirt for my daughter. After getting welcomed into stores time and time again, I was left in each place to thumb through the sea of clothes on my own. But I couldn’t find what I needed. I grew weary of searching and almost gave up on finding my daughter’s birthday gift but something told me to try one more place.
Moments after I entered the boutique, a sales lady walked over and asked, “Are you looking for something in particular?”
After I explained I needed a certain kind and color of top for my daughter, she showed me shirts
in my daughter’s size. As the two of us checked out the merchandise, we chatted. In no time it
seemed as though I looked for something special with a friend. My mood lifted. She asked where I was from. Then she told me about her recent move away from home. She was so happy to be back where
she grew up. She picked up a long-sleeved T-shirt buried under other clothing, and I let out a
sigh of relief. “Oh, that’s perfect.”
But when she showed the tag to me my heart sank. It was too expensive. She didn’t press me. Instead, she smiled. “There are lots of these types of blouses around. It won’t be difficult to find one somewhere else for cheaper. Have you tried….?” And she told me of several other stores I had not heard about. She cared more about me, a person she’d just met, than she did making another sale.
I walked out feeling positive I’d find what I searched for and eventually I did. But I will not forget what happened in that store. That last thing I expected when I entered the store weary and discouraged was — I’d see God in a sales lady’s kindness.
Three NIV Bible verses about kindness came to mind:
Matthew 22: 39, “…Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Colossians 3: 12, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Galatians 5: 22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Dear Lord, our creator and giver of all things good, please let your light shine through us
in kindness as a witness of your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Gail has a new novel that is FREE in an e-book format on Amazon today through November 1rst. Hidden Danger. I just finished reading it- I think you will enjoy it! In audible and paperback, too. https://amzn.to/4ep3YMw
Website – gailpallotta.com – to check out all her novels.
Where Did You Find God Today? 