Scripture
Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” John 4:6-7

Application
I’ve spent some time with a pastor who never lets a name tag go unnoticed. Every time we’ve gone out to lunch he has taken time to use the name that is there to read. It is a magical charm that creates instant rapport. As he explained to me, “People who work with the public have so much to put up with. I don’t want to make their day any more difficult. I want to lighten their load.”

Sometimes I’m there but oftentimes I’m not. Like the other day when checking into a motel I was more interested in the bed in the room and the sleep it offered to me than I was with the human being checking me in. I remember standing there thinking, “I’m tired so will you hurry up!” I didn’t voice my frustration as she methodically filled in every blank box (hey I don’t trash rooms or steal towels and I always pay for my phone calls so would you hurry!). I didn’t speak my thoughts but I’m sure she could feel them. Was that really the impression Jesus wanted me to give?

Jesus was tired enough that he did not want to go shopping. He just wanted to sit on a bench. Any man with a wife at Christmas in a mall can relate. Yet he had time to initiate a long conversation for the benefit of another. Kindness such as this is a small thing that does not seem theologically significant. But it was to Jesus.

Application
Kindness matters. People thrive on it. Jesus wants me to offer it, even when I’m tired.

Prayer
Father, help me to remember the human being under every franchise uniform. Help me to see the value of people as you do. Amen.