—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Last Friday at my working place, we had a celebration of a new product announcement. It was packed with people. Some high rank managers showed up as speakers and encouragers. After their speeches, my colleague told me that let’s meet some people around. Therefore, we went ahead and met some of our old managers and chat a little bit. The interesting thing is after I greeted one of my old managers, another manager came. Suddenly, I found myself standing in between them and they were talking excitedly without even noticing my existence. It was an awkward situation because I felt it would be rude to leave in the middle of their conversation, but in the same time, I couldn’t insert any meaningful words but keep my smiles since I have no idea about the contents of their conversation.

Naturally, I felt that I was ignored initially and then I realize that I am not fit in that kind of conversation environment anyway, so I felt at ease later.  It, however, brings out a good reminder to me. Most of us in our life probably have struggled for acceptance in some degree. No one has full popularity over everyone, I believe. Think about apostle Paul as an example. His conversion from a Pharisee into a Christian brought him rejections and skeptics in the beginning when he tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). The other obvious example is our Lord Jesus – He was never being well accepted by Pharisees and Ascribes of the Jews. His triumphant entry to the Jerusalem didn’t give Him the acceptance either.

On the other hand, I asked myself whether I have the same tendency in neglecting others when I am excited in doing something? How about my children, or, my co-workers in the church, or, my colleagues at my working place? Moreover, how about other ones to whom I plan to introduce the Gospel? I think the answer is definitely a yes. Therefore, I need to ask our Lord to give me a sensitive heart to others’ need during various conditions.

The third point I would like to make is we are all susceptible to disappointment by others’ neglect. This could be from our family members, our brothers and sisters in the church, colleagues at work, or even strangers we met. The question is “How can we cope with this kind of disappointment?” My thought is we need to divert our focus from people to God. If we ask ourselves constantly, “Who is the one that should be pleased the most?” and, “Can we make the most of our life in Him?”. Then, the result will be rewarding.

St. Augustine once said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”  As we are God’s children, we will have His undivided attention, anytime, anywhere. We would be disappointed or feel rejected if we are focusing on people instead of God Himself. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, let me challenge you a question, “What is your focus?”  Please use this question to ask yourself constantly during the week. Then you may find out that you are not easily being disappointed anymore.