When people look at you what do you want them to see?

This question was asked to my small group the other night at church and while I have thought about it many times I truly hadn't reflected on the meaning of the question.

Do you want them to see your beauty, your shape, your clothes, or maybe your companion?

Personally, I want people to look at me and see Jesus. I want them to see love, compassion, kindness, and encouragement.

I do have flaws and way too many imperfections to count, but I pray they look past those and know I have Jesus residing in my heart.

While you're walking through the grocery store do you keep your eyes to yourself and focus on why you're there or do you go out of your way to smile at those you cross paths with hoping to make an encounter? I'm a super awkward individual and I hate the idea of making myself look weird, especially if I am having an off day, but I love smiling at a stranger and then getting one in return.

When a stranger smiles at you or holds a door open for you how do you feel? Do you feel uncomfortable or thankful?

I find myself filled with joy for someone being kind enough to step up and make a positive encounter. It fills me with thankfulness and love. I pray that I will always be able to reciprocate the actions of those who have such a heart for the Lord and make these encounters in public.

Two weeks ago I stepped foot inside a new church in a new town that I just moved to. (I hate change by the way.) However, I trusted God knowing that there was a reason I was there and that He's got an incredibly great purpose for my life in this new town. That Wednesday my husband and I participated in a night called "Go Night" where the individuals of this church reach out to the community in multiple ways.

First they congregate at the local park and cook for not only the members of the church, but also those who are at the park walking their dogs, playing with their kids, or even exercising. This is a way that they can show the love of Jesus and man is Jesus evident in these young adults.

After eating and interacting with individuals they met at the park, as they felt the Lord lead, they go and deliver food to someone in. I was given the opportunity to minister with two young women at a local apartment complex filled with those who truly needed the Lord. We brought burgers and Vacation Bible School fliers and went door to door hoping that these women we encountered saw Jesus.

While some told us through their closed door they weren't interested, others opened their hearts to us and welcomed us. I'll never forget the encounter with one beautiful woman who went through much hardship. She asked us if we had time for her and invited us to sit down while she poured out to us where the Lord has brought her. We spoke to her for almost an hour hearing her stories and her journey.

This was a beautiful example of how this church represents the hands and feet of Christ and I pray that even if it means stepping outside of my comfort zone that He'll use me to reach out to someone and that they'll see Christ and the ultimate love He has for them.

John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."