Earlier this week, I shared on social media, “If you don’t have friends that make you laugh until you cry, you need new friends.” Well, it seems like God is tuned in to social media because He decided to add some humor to my lesson on slowing down this week.
It all began in the busy halls at school where I found myself trailing behind a cluster of students moving at a snail's pace to their next classroom. One bold high school girl took matters into her own hands and loudly proclaimed, “Move out of the way. This teacher wants to get through.”
My slow down lesson then transitioned from the high school hallways to the aisles of Walmart later that week. A mysterious couple seemed to materialize repeatedly, blocking the entire aisle each time I attempted to pass. Despite my efforts to navigate around them, they always managed to obstruct my path, creating an unexpected obstacle course.
Ironically, I owe them a word of thanks, as their unintentional blockade forced me to slow down, leading me to a wise cashier. She asked a seemingly trivial question about bagging my large cereal bag and followed up with an explanation that hit me. She explained that people have different preferences, so she asks. She stated that you just never know what people are going through and she tries to show extra kindness, small gestures can impact others.
With her words echoing in my mind, I left the store only to encounter yet another slow moving person. A gentleman maneuvered his cart in front of mine and then shuffled through the exit, serving as a humorous reminder from God that He has a playful side too. It was a gentle nudge to continue the work of slowing down to Love God and Love People.
Hebrews 13:2 comes to mind: "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Whether these encounters were with angels in disguise or simply individuals sent by God to teach me a lesson, the message is clear: slow down, love people, and remain attentive, because God, the Humorist, always finds a way to make His presence known.