When you travel the world you realize how small it is. Throughout your journey you will come to know
that our sufferings and our delights are very much alike. I have learned that a smile can tumble any
wall of insecurity. In your travels you will learn that although our challenges
may be different our ability to overcome challenging circumstances define who
we are. Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege
to spend a few days in Istanbul. I didn’t
know the language; I was not proficient in their customs or religion but I knew
a language that would transcend our differences, love. Everywhere I went I carried a weapon that
could disarm the fiercest character or the lowliest temperament. I walked into the Grand Bazaar, one of the
oldest covered streets and over
3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. I looked into the eyes of each vendor and
imagined to myself, their families. I wondered
to myself, what was their life journey like?
I purposefully locked eyes and gifted them a smile, the only thing I had
to offer. I prayed for each one of them
in my own heart. I knew that the best
gift I could give them was a message of encouragement through eyes of love. The bible says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I
loved you. Abide in my love." (John 15:9)
As you travel through
your day’s journey, whether it is in your community or around the world remember
you are a carrier of life or death. Your
words can encourage or your eyes can condemn.
Just as we have received God’s love despite what we have done. Give the gift of love to everyone you
encounter, just smile.
©Rosalinda Rivera.
All Rights Reserved 2014.
