It was the kindness of a stranger.
A woman holding a toddler saw us struggling to take a picture and offered to help.
It was merely one of many blessings from the Lord yesterday.
Throughout our celebration of our wedding anniversary we had many moments of sweetness.
Including returning to a restaurant we’d enjoyed on our honeymoon.
Throughout our day, my heart pondered relationships and what I’ve learned these past 24 years.
This morning, my mind returned to scripture.
Esther 2:11 NKJV — And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.
This has always been a precious verse to me, as the love of Mordecai for his adopted daughter touches my heart.
The application to building relationships is huge.
Mordecai took time daily to inquire after Esther.
He had a job.
He was probably busy with other responsibilities.
Yet, the scriptures clearly say every day he inquired about her.
Is there anything which grows a relationship like the honest loving inquiry into another’s life?
To listen to what has occurred in their day with real feeling and interest?
To hear from their heart about their experiences, their feelings, their concerns?
This simple act of inquiry reveals a beautiful relationship between father and daughter.
And the same act of love can build relationships between husband and wife, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, friends, neighbors, co-workers…
It’s also important in our relationship with God.
Inquiring of the Lord daily; asking insight into His ways, learning Him more, understanding His Word, is vital to building our relationship with the Lord Jesus.
And He is willing to listen about our lives as well.
Of course, we must humble ourselves before God and accept His salvation that our sin and pride not cut off the relationship.
Psalm 10:4 KJV — The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Psalm 10:17 KJV — LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:
Scripture teaches so much about building relationships.
This is one of my favorites:
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Ephesians 5:17-21 NKJV
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for a wonderful day yesterday and how much You reminded me of Your truths. Lord, I want to follow Your Word. I want to sing to You, to give glory to the Father, to be filled with the Spirit, and to submit myself to You and others. Lord, help me to prefer those around me rather than focusing on my own wants or needs. Lord, help me to be humble and interested in those You place in my life. Not to become blind to people, but rather to see from Your perspective and to have wisdom and love in dealing with others. Lord, please help me to redeem the time for the days are evil. Thank You. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 