Have you ever washed overboard in an attempt to get someone to respond to you?
I have.
I’m acquainted with an author in Houston who is rather
well-known. We speak at area meetings, and I congratulate her upon each new achievement.
By nature, I’m a cheerleader, and when I encourage someone, I’m sincere. This
lady, seldom if ever, acknowledges my comments. On Facebook, I always “like”
her posts. She has responded once to mine; however, I see her respond to others. It appears she purposefully ignores me. I write Christian romance novels, and
she writes secular romance.
Although I seldom post conservative political statements on
Facebook, and she seldom posts liberal ones, we know where the other stands on
partisan subjects. This doesn’t matter
to me. We are both female authors living in the same city, and we have other
things in common. We should be kind to each other.
I went to a writing session today. There’s a neighbor who
attends the same class. I speak to her.
She answers politely, and then turns away as fast as possible. She knows I’m a
Christian and a pastor’s wife. She also knows I’m a conservative. According to
comments she’s made to others, she’s not a Christian, and she prefers the
liberal side of politics.
For whatever reason, these two ladies who snub me
bothered me today. Why can’t these ladies who differ so radically from me
respond to me in a kind, polite manner?
I’ve never tried to change their ideas or beliefs at any time.
I tried again today with my neighbor, but to now avail. As I drove out of the parking lot, I pondered this question: Why does it bother me that she turns her back on me? Why
do I continue to seek approval from her?
I was puzzled, but then this fact dawned on me. Jesus knows me. I don’t need
to work to make myself known to Him. The Supreme Being allows me to become
acquainted with Him! No one is greater than He. Wow! The Greatest of All Time permits me to
interview Him, petition Him, laugh with Him, cry with Him. Just be with Him!
So why try should I try to coax someone to like me
when the Greatest of All Beings loves me?
Good question, right?
I’ve decided to spend my energy getting to know Him
better.
So my reader friend, perhaps you identify with me.
There will always be someone on earth who doesn’t respond
favorably to us, but God never excludes us, and He is never rude.
If you have an unconventional person in your life, I
hope you’ll spend more time on getting to know Jesus than seeking affirmation from
someone who will never give it.
That’s what I’m going to do.