Patrick, Donna, Joey, Michael, Sheila, Diane, Dr. E., Patrick L., Dr. G., Matt, Janelle, Courtney. These are some of the people who came beside me the other day while I was in Boston. Each had a unique role, from parking our car, getting my iv bag ready to being there beside me as I woke up. Each person’s name is written in my gratitude journal for the gift they were for me that day.
Something God had taught me is to know the names of those who come beside me. I am not perfect at this yet I do my best to call people by their name.
What I have noticed is that by calling people by their name, they know that I see them. What I find even more beautiful is that God knows each of our names. He knows your name. He knows my name. And I believe it’s important to Him that we know each other’s names and give thanks to one another for the unique roles we have in each other’s lives, whatever that may be.
I invite you to join me today to...
pause. breathe. pray.
May we make a point this week to not just pass by people, or allow people in our lives to just to pass by us. May we make an effort to get to know the names of the people along our path, from the security guard at our kid’s school, our mailman, the person checking us out in the grocery line, etc. May we let these people know that we see them, by calling them by their name and thanking them for their part in our day.
It may seem simple and even trivial. Yet I have witnessed the positive impact it has, and how this simple act of love opens my eyes to see beyond myself and grow connections, even if for a moment, with someone else. And in these unique times, this type of small connection can make a huge difference.
With love and hope,
Shawn
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
- Isaiah 43:1