X Marks the Spot

I couldn’t help but stop to observe this massive X in the sky because it appears that two planes came very close to colliding in mid-air, but here on the ground we are so far away that our perspective is actually obscured.  Although it appears to be a close call, there was probably no threat of danger to those involved.  Technology allows pilots do a remarkable job at avoiding physical contact as they
travel through an endless sky without roadways.

I realized our lives on earth are like planes crossing paths in the sky. We constantly cross paths with others yet how often do we actually connect?  I remember a time when each vehicle you met on the road transported a driver who waved at you whether they knew you or not.   I remember sitting on the porch or in the shade of a huge oak tree visiting with friends or family.  Now we barely take time to interact with others.

Think about it.  How often do you greet people with, “Hi, how are you?” but keep walking allowing little or no time for response?  I do this all the time because I’m in a hurry, or if I’m honest sometimes I just don’t want to know because I have enough of my own issues to worry about.  Philippians 2:4 says, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”(NLT)   Often we go through the checkout line at Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, or the grocery store and seem to forget that the person standing in front of us is someone’s teen working to help the family make ends meet, a parent mourning the loss of a child, or someone suffering through the cancer of a spouse.  1 Peter 3:8 reminds us to “be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”(NIV)  Each person we meet on the road of life is going through struggles just as we are, and as Christians we are to show compassion as if they were part of our family.

The picture above made me think of the saying, “X marks the spot”, but what spot would that be?  In regard to those around us, X marks the spot where we encounter others.  X marks the spot for sharing the good news of Christ.   X marks the spot for showing that someone in this busy world cares.  X marks the spot for showing the love of God to people we meet each day.  John 15:12 says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”  How do we love everyone we come in contact with?  The possibilities are endless, but first we must be aware and take an interest in those around us.  Whether it’s being friendly to the cashier, stopping what we’re doing long enough to find out how a friend is really doing, or simply waving at a total stranger as we drive down the road.

Like airplanes in the sky, our lives seem to cross paths, yet we rarely truly connect with those around us. When you come in contact with others, find a way to make a connection. Don’t let your life intersect with theirs without being compassionate.  Remember, X marks the spot for showing God’s love.

Related Posts – Simple ideas for encouraging others: 

 It Will Change Your Life; Sweet Treats Too