Appreciation

As usual, I never fully appreciate someone until I am in their shoes. Lucas has had a cold. I didn't feel too sorry for him until today...when I woke up with the same cold. Now I realize just how sore his little throat has been, and how achy his tiny muscles. On Sunday, I start teaching the 2 year old Bible class at church for the next year. I don't think I have ever truly lavished the praise and appreciation on Nate and Ava's teachers that they properly deserve. Now that I am committing a year of my life to teaching children at church, I realize just how dedicated they are. I have mentioned before that I never once thanked the previous editor of the women's newsletter at church. Now that I am editor, I realize how beneficial words of encouragement would have been for her. This is the human condition, I believe. We are born self-interested and have a tendency to remain that way. We consider our needs and desires first. Only when we enter into a similar situation as another person, do we consider and understand what it must be like for them. My goal: to be more considerate and actively encouraging before I have the chance (or misfortune) to walk in another person's shoes.