Being a Real Person

"A gracious woman gets honor. ..." (Proverbs 11:16)

We often met a delightful friend at the pathologist’s office when Jimmy went for his three-times-a-week blood tests. Neither she nor Jimmy could mix with the general public because of their extremely low white-blood-cell counts.

Alberta had traveled all over the world and had a home full of treasures she had collected. Sometimes she invited us home with her for cookies, milk, and a little sociability. Jimmy loved to go. Alberta answered his questions about elephant tusks, spears, and Japanese gongs with infinite patience and a storyteller’s expertise.

One day when we left her home, Jimmy said to me, "Mumma, I really like Mrs. Kerns. She talks to me like I’m a real person."

What a gift Alberta had given him. Instead of talking over his head, as most of the medical personnel did, she spoke right to him. She listened to what he said and responded to his questions on his level. She made him feel important. What an easy way to make a child or someone else feel of value!

Whenever I’m tempted to ignore a child who is clamoring for my attention, I think of Jimmy’s pleasure at being recognized as a "real person." It’s a gift of graciousness and simple caring that I just have to pass along.

Beyond the Door
1. Who has made you feel like a "real person" in their listening to you?

2. Taking time to listen to a child must be especially pleasing to Jesus, who welcomes all the little children who come to him (Matthew 19:14). Think of Jesus’ attitude the next time a child seeks to claim your attention. What an opportunity!

3. Children who come to your door selling items for their school present a good opportunity to listen well. Engage them in a conversation about what they’re selling and why; ask them about their school.

4. "Listen, God is calling" is also wonderful advice to us daily. When in the last few days have you heard God calling to you? How was your listening?