People......

Everyday I become more aware of people and things around me that don't mesh with my walk.  I struggle at times with saying what's on my mind, meaning I usually say what's on my mind instead of being quiet. 

I've been working part time in a cute, little East side card and gift shop going on 4 months so I see lots of people.  I generally trust people until they do something that takes that trust away.  I am still amazed when I find that someone has taken something without paying. Not that I have ever caught them in the act but after the fact.  People steal.  They take from a hard working owner of a small business.  I am just mortified that people do this to another person.  I would like to imagine that had I caught them in the act I would take them aside and quietly ask them, "why?". 

Another thing that seems to get to me is my neighborhood.  Some days I am ready to pack it all up and move out to the country where I do not have to deal with neighbors!  There are people in this neighborhood who let their children run through, trample on, and tear up other peoples' yards.  I have an unwritten policy but verbalized to said children; that if children have played in my yard and left their toys in it then those toys are now mine.  I have very nicely told said children to play in their own yards.

I share these things just to show you how real life I try to live my faith but also to show me where I can do better.  To the shoplifter I want to know why they stole what they stole, do they need a job, can I hook them up with some resources in our community?  To the neighbors I am constantly reminding myself, "you may be the only Jesus they ever see" so I am still working on this...daily.