Friends? Or Mere Acquaintances?

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.

Gay N. Lewis on Amazon