Just a word!

It was just over a week ago, on a service bus from Motherwell to Wishaw. I was seated a few seats from the front and, at the front, in the section reserved for buggies and wheelchairs, was one of the latter with a young man seated in it and, with him, another, older, gent who was obviously his carer. I have no idea as to the medical condition that confined that young man to the wheelchair, but it certainly appeared to be physical rather than, in any way, mental. His carer was speaking with him and, every so often he must have said something that particularly pleased the young man, as his mouth widened, and his face creased into a smile that seemed to light up the whole bus!

As we drew near to my stop, and I prepared to get off the bus, I determined to speak with the young man before I did so. As I moved towards the door, I stopped, and leaned down. "Has anyone ever told you," I asked, "that you have a most beautiful smile?"

I suspect that I would have received a less enthusiastic response if I had told certain of my friends that they had just won the Euro Lottery, and had now €5million to add to their bank account! The young man was delighted. "Thank you, thank you", he said, as his carer gave me a thumbs-up! As I left the bus, he was still calling out "Thank you. Thank you very much!" Then as the bus pulled out to continue its allotted journey, we waved to each other. Just a brief word - but what joy it engendered! I was so glad that I had had the momentary courage to speak.

So, what was the lesson from that situation? Well, there is more than one! I have taken a personal lesson that I don't wish to share. However, I believe that there is a lesson for all of us - those who read this blog and who are disciples of Jesus, and those who do not make that claim (yet!). It is a simple lesson - that we always look for opportunities to bless others; to encourage; to edify; to assist; to inspire; to embolden.

Writing to his brothers and sisters in Jesus, in Galatia (an area that was situated in modern Turkey), the apostle Paul encourages them with these words: "And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (6:9-11).

I hope that you will take those words to heart and, when the opportunity arises, do good to someone by blessing them - even if it is by just a word!