"My friend!" Trey threw his arms around the little boy, and they both grinned. Long, lost buddies, they hadn't seen each other for the 30 seconds it had taken them to walk from one ride to the next.
The two almost-four year old boys had met just a few minutes before at the bouncy house. Outgoing and friendly, they swapped names and laughed until their sides split. At the huge slide, the other little boy froze at the top. "No, like this," Trey insisted as he attempted to peel the his friends' hands off the railings and push him down. (We rescued the boy.) Later on at the merry-go-round of cars, Trey's friend showed him how to outrace the pretty little girl behind them. The little boys made the most of the their new found friendship, and both sets of parents marveled and enjoyed the freedom of their innocence. I have a personal goal of leaving a smile on the face of each service person I come in contact with. There's something so rewarding about seeing a tired checkout girl's face light up when I compliment her earrings, or a young man stand a little taller when I tell him how much I respect him for the excellent service he provides. How about approaching a young mom with children in tow at the park and complimenting something about her mothering skills? Watch her just glow. Today, God wants to encourage you to find someone you can bless with your friendship. You may never see them again once you step out of Starbucks, or the grocery check-out, or the elevator. But a kind word, compliment, acknowledgement, or gratitude can showcase Jesus' love in a way that no sermon ever can. "Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out." Colossians 4:5-6 Have thirty seconds to spare? Use it to build someone up. And if you really want to make the most of those opportunities, have a small business card ready with your name and email in case they want to find out more about your church or your bible study, or your young moms organization. You'll be surprised how many new friends you can make!
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