Some of us are just naturally nice and friendly. People
rarely have anything negative to say about joyful people and feel better when
in their presence. Happy people attract others to themselves. They are like magnets.
My mother always told me that I was like my dad—a creep magnet! I always
thought her remarks were funny, but I am like my dad. I am very outgoing and
friendly. People feel comfortable telling me everything about themselves, even
people I just met.
Sharing my joy with others and being a good listener has allowed me to help others dealing with life struggles and opens doors for me to share my faith in Jesus.
Here’s an easy one-two-three step to get the conversations started:
One: Choose your words. When our words are sprinkled with kindness and
gentleness, we draw people to ourselves instead of repelling them. Speaking
with grace and kindness is a universal language that everyone
understands. Meet people where they are in their lives, without judgment.
Like they say, if you haven’t walked in their shoes,
don’t try to tell them how to tie their laces!
Two: Offer to do something nice for someone who is struggling. We might have a coworker who is always
negative. It may feel unnatural to do something nice for him or her, but this
is the best time to do it. The fastest way to break through a hard heart is by
dousing it with an act of kindness. Don’t give up! It might take you some time
to crack the ice. People have hard hearts for many reasons. Look past the
ugliness and into the pain that has caused the ugliness. Be that person in the
room that shows kindness.
Three: Let people know that you see them. I remember back in the days
when children were to be seen and not heard. What a dealio that was! And now, we live in a world where no one looks
at each other at the grocery store, on the sidewalks, or wherever! Why, because
people are afraid. Choose to bring a smile to someone’s face, especially
children, or compliment someone standing in line with you. You never know what
someone is going through and your kindness, even flashing a smile, could save someone's
life. These things open doors for conversations.
People who are joy spreaders are others-focused and look for ways to serve and love the people around them. While it comes more naturally for some, we’re all called to exhibit joy and make a difference in someone’s life and the world.
The biggest compliment you can get is when people start asking you the following questions:
Why are you so happy?
Why do you say nice things to me?
Why don’t you have bad days?
Why do you always have a smile on your face?
Why are you nice to everyone?
Again, conversation starters!
When they ask these questions, it’s your opportunity to explain why you have
this unexplainable joy. Let them know you’re this way because you know Jesus
and have great faith in Him and He guides your life. Let them know that things
don’t always go your way and that sometimes life can be extremely hard. But
He’s with you always, in every season, and during difficult storms. And let
them know they can have the same joy in their life.
Whether you share your faith through your personal faith story, by appealing to
someone’s intellect, or by spreading joy, whatever your best evangelistic tool
is, use it! All we are asked to do is our part. God didn’t ask us to save/convert
anyone. That’s His job. We are simply a tool He uses while the Holy Spirit changes
a person’s heart.
Debra Lee | Biz & Life
Coach | Author | Keynote Speaker | Blogger
Books: “It Is What It
Is…But It Wasn’t A Tragedy” | “Making Wise Choices…the most important life
skill to master”
Thanks for sharing and spreading joy
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