What do people notice about you when they see you? This thought came to my mind after observing a happening at a local car dealership. An elderly, well-dressed Christian man, taller than me and older than me too, was sitting in the customer waiting room. He sat patiently, quietly, as he read his bible. Because the bible cover was well worn, you could conclude that he was not reading to put on a show.
At first, it was just the two of us sitting diametrically opposite of each other. After about 15 minutes, a couple came into the waiting room. They had to be between the age of 25-35-years old. As they sat drinking cups of coffee, they talked quietly between themselves. When their conversation was over their eyes focused on the older gentleman simultaneously. The movement of their eyes was in perfect synchronization, much like musicians respond precisely in synch following the movements of a highly skilled conductor with a slim baton in his hand.
I wondered what made them look at the man so long. Was it because he was well-dressed, adorned with a pair of well-ironed, pleated pants held up by suspenders? Was it the bright white. heavy starched shirt with golden cuffs that caused them to look? Was it because he had neatly placed his pinstriped, double-breasted jacket on the chair he was sitting? Was it his look which easily revealed that he had taken time to groom himself almost perfectly? Maybe it was his shiny leather shoes and the socks that matched his necktie? The couple stared and gazed for a few minutes, finally turning their heads to face each other and began softly engaging in a continued dialogue. I’m still wondering, “What made them look at the man so long?”
I don’t know what made them look at the man. I don’t know what caught their eye. All I can tell you is what I saw. His attire was not my main focus, but rather I was attracted to the fact that by the elderly man studying the word of God, attiring himself in righteousness. I did pay attention to his watch, odd indeed seeing how much I like wristwatches that have a unique appearance. However, I was more focused on how he was spending his time, not sitting idle or watching the big screen TV monitor in the waiting room. He was obviously big on making the most of his time, taking advantage of valuable minutes to look intently at the scriptures. As a matter of fact, the elderly man only looked up when the customer service representative came in and regardless of what he was informed, he had a pleasant, patient, peaceful expression on his face. As he read, occasionally he would smile. I believe he was rejoicing in whatever it was he was reading.
When he was informed that his car was finished, he headed toward the cashier’s office. Before leaving, he stopped in the waiting room and told all of us, including the younger couple I mentioned above, “May God be with you, bless you all, and keep you!” It was a fitting benediction, and I almost let a “Praise God” come out of my mouth.
The young couple looked in my direction and commented that, “That man was in his bible! He must have been a preacher or perhaps a pastor.” Then they asked, “Did you notice his conduct?” Before I could nod my head or answer in the affirmative, the young lady said, “The world needs more people like him.” Obviously, they had noticed something that represented a life lesson about letting your light shine before men.
I have a question for you. What do people notice about you? Have a great day! Be blessed!
“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 The Amplified Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King