The Bible for Women

Weekly Devotional

The following article was written by Sister Elosie Crews

September 1998

People

Some people talk and talk

and never say a thing.

Some people look at you

and birds begin to sing.

Some people laugh and laugh

and yet you want to cry.

Some people touch your hand

and music fills the sky.

poem by Charlotte Zolotow

A few years ago, I heard a preacher say that while Jesus lived on this earth, he was in the people business. He went about teaching, doing good, and showing compassion and concern for multitudes of individuals. Charlotte Zolotow's simply worded, yet profoundly true poem, caused me to examine myself to determine what kind of "people person" I am.

Have I ever chattered on and on and never really said anything?

I'm sure I have.

Lord, help me to be a better listener.

Has my countenance caused someone to hear birds singing?

I hope so!

Lord, help me to have a cheerful disposition.

Have I ever engaged in laughter and good times when the heart of someone nearby was breaking but I was too self absorbed to sense the pain?

I'm sure that I have.

Lord, help me to weep with those who weep.

Have I ever touched someone and filled a life with song for just a little while?

I hope so!

Lord, help me reach out.

Dear Lord, with Jesus as our example, help each of us to be a better "people person" as we serve you by serving others.

Have a great week. Margie