Really, what is the definition of petty?

According to google, a petty person is someone who gets caught up in small details.  

Have you ever done that? Though I hate to admit it, I have and at times, still do.

Have you ever spoke or waved at someone and they didn’t respond?

I know it sounds petty, but I’m going somewhere.

Hang in there with me.

I have had this happen to me on several occasions, even while attending church. Can you believe it?  Of course you can, it has probably happened to you also.

As I entered the building, I spotted her. The woman from my small group.  With a smile and excitement to behold a familiar face, I spoke.

No response.

Really?!

I’m 99.9% she heard me.

No worries though, I thought.  This will be the last time I speak to her— definitely not what I should be thinking, but I was.

Though I am 99.9% sure she heard me. What I didn’t know was…

She’d lost her husband several years ago, her middled school aged son was being bullied in school and that same son was struggling with thoughts of suicide.

While I was focused on how I was feeling— ignored, rejected, and embarrassed, I never once thought about how she was feeling or what she was going through.

Don’t judge her until you take out the time to know her… and even then, be gracious.

No one else knew my thoughts, but God did.

He didn’t condemn me for my thoughts, he actually redeemed me. See, who the Father loves, he corrects (Proverbs 3:13).

While attending a women’s conference, she and I had a chance to hang out and get to know one another. We encouraged each other and committed to praying for one another.

Regardless of whether or not we want to admit it,  we are all battling something and we all need someone to stand in the gap with us and for us.

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone, is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:10 NLT

We need each other.

Though there may be a 99.9% chance she heard you, there is a 1% chance she is walking through one of the most difficult times in her life.

Next time you see her ( I don’t know who her is but you do).  Pray for her. Invite her for coffee or tea and get to know her.

Prayer–  Heavenly Father, help us to refrain from being petty. Help us to be gracious toward each other, for you have been gracious toward us.  Help us to pray and encourage each other.  May we understand our need for each other and esteem the women around us.  In Jesus name, amen.

In His name,

Chrystal 

P.S. If this post has encouraged you in anyway, please comment below and share with a friend.  Thank you.