By David Nii, Council of Twelve Apostles

Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.”

A phone call with a tech support person turned out quite different from most others I endure. My tech support calls usually are filled with frustration, miscommunication, and thoughts of looking for a different service provider. These negative experiences usually emerge from a gap in language and goals. I want my problem solved quickly, and the tech person wants to easily move on from my problem. My conversation with Alex, however, not only addressed what I wanted but also gave me what I needed.

I called tech support because my Internet connection was down for half an hour. Alex was the support person, and he began our conversation by carefully understanding what I was seeing and experiencing on my computer. He then assured me he would use everything at his disposal to address my problem. He acknowledged a temporary glitch in their system may have happened and gave me clear instructions on what I could do to confirm my computer system was functioning properly. Before I could step through the actions Alex recommended, my Internet signal reconnected. I realized if I were a bit more patient and waited for 45 minutes instead of calling in at 30 minutes, my problem may have resolved itself. Alex, however, waited for me to confirm all my devices were back up and running before we ended the call. As I reflect on that conversation, I recognize Alex not only helped me get my Internet operating but also assured me I am a valued customer and not alone in service challenges.

My call with Alex reminded me of my journey with Jesus. My impatience in getting what I want often creates a narrow vision of what is important and necessary. Although I try hard to avoid inconveniences, like bad Internet connections, the reality of life is problems, setbacks, and challenges are always happening. Yet, along with suffering come ways to overcome suffering. When I am willing to pause and receive the presence of Christ in people, I am no longer blind to the truth of being valued and not alone in life challenges.

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Spiritual Practice

Overflowing Generosity

Spend five minutes thinking deeply about how God has shared abundantly with you in very specific ways. Where do you see God’s abundant generosity in your life? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for these blessings. Now, reminded of these blessings, think about how you can bless others. In what ways can God’s abundant generosity overflow from you to others? What specific blessing will you share with another this day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.