Christ-like

And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.  Mark 9:35
 
If Christ were to walk among us today, what would He look like?  What do you think He would sound like, walk like, and eat for lunch?  I used to love to sit in public places and people watch.  I would take note of clothes, shoes, hair…ya know, all the stuff that doesn’t matter. One day I was getting ready to point out to my friend a woman wearing an outfit that clearly didn’t have enough fabric and represented the wildest color combo I’d ever seen on one body.  Just as I leaned over to whisper, “Get a look at that outfit!” The woman’s eyes caught mine and she smiled the most warm, compassionate smile I’d ever seen.  It absolutely warmed me to the soul.  As I shot a stunned smile back, she gave me a friendly little wave and continued on her way. I felt so terrible at that moment and I was so thankful I hadn’t shared my rude comment with my friend.  The guilt still weighed like a brick on my heart though because I thought it, and that was where the negative began. 
Shortly after that experience, I read my first book about Mother Teresa and her ultimate purpose of looking at people simply to see Christ…nothing more, nothing less!  Just looking for Christ!  It’s since been my mission and it is a work in progress but one very worth the effort even if He isn't so easy to see.

 Today the world watched for “Holy Smoke” to rise signaling a successor to St. Peter.  The cheers burst forth in our building and world-wide when the white smoke apperared.  Church bells rang and laughter and excitement filled the hearts of millions across the globe.  Many things in this world have changed but not the process of selecting a Holy Father…it’s still a surprise right till the very moment he steps into that window for the entire world to see.  Thanks to the magic of social media, we all got to see it at once no matter where we were or what we were doing!  It was a beautiful event for Catholics and Non-Catholics alike.  As I watched the news on lots of networks tonight the images of the humble man now known as Pope Francis are beautiful.  He’s made choices in his life that represent the qualities of a true followers of Jesus; humility, simplicity, prayer, service and defense of the poor and oppressed.  I think one of my favorite pictures is a picture of him kneeling at the feet of a sick little boy in a wheel chair kissing his feet.  What a gesture…that image catapulted me straight into the Gospel story of the washing of the feet and Jesus’ words; we are here to serve, not to be served.  What a splendid first image!  

I struggle each day to do what’s Christ-like!  Let’s face it…Christ-like can be tough!  All those little decisions, those split second words and actions that we don’t think will matter, really do matter and I have to remember that.  I needed a refresher course today I think.  I needed a whap upside the head to remind me that I should be looking for Christ when I’m out among God’s children and I really needed a thump behind my ear like the ones my Mom used to give us in church if we weren’t paying attention to remind me I am here to serve, not be served.  I’m grateful that God puts before us examples like Mother Teresa, Pope Francis and strangers at the mall who can bless our heart with an unknowing warm smile.  Thank you Jesus for reminding me to see You in others!

A Seed To Plant: Take some time to people watch. Be on the lookout for Christ!    

Blessings on your day!