My 15 year old went to a youth group retreat last weekend and it had a profound effect on her. She told me a couple of days later that she was seeing everyone differently now. What they had done at the retreat was spent some time looking for the gifts that others possess. Not talents or features they have, but gifts like service, respect, love. She said that since doing the exercises she now sees that everyone has gifts, and everyone has their own story to tell. She realized that sometimes the way someone appears on the outside belies their true gifts on the inside.

This made me think about how easy it is to become impatient with people based on our own view of the world, and based on our own lens which is colored by our own experiences. I’ve learned this lesson over the years and have come to love the unique gifts in everyone. It’s allowed me to become more patient knowing that everyone has their own story to tell, and that the choices they make are based on those stories.

Next time someone cuts you off on the freeway or doesn’t provide the service you demand, think about them as an individual with a story. What led them to act the way they do, was it really just to make you miserable? A little patience and love can go a long way toward replacing stress with peace in your life, and will open your eyes to the gifts in people all around us.

I’m so glad my daughter is learning this so young!