I used to think that some of the greatest people were those who stood on stages and had everyone's attention as they shared incredible stories about their lives. However, I've met people who have changed my opinion.
After I graduated from college, I found myself in love with an amazing man (who I married last year); I moved into a little apartment by myself after finding a job close to where he lived. This is a small town where most people I meet grew up in this area and stayed here (or came back to the area after graduating from college). Many people live on the same streets as their family members; and some of those streets happen to be the last name of the family who lives there.
There's nothing wrong with that - it's just not what I'm used too, so that way of life intrigues me in some ways. Even now after 7 months of marriage, I'll be "in town" and run into people who say I'm now related to them (by marriage) and it blows my mind that I run into family. I grew up with very few family members in the same town I lived in, but I mostly saw extended family on holidays and special occasions.
Anyway, I've met some amazing people in this town, with amazing lives...but not many people know their stories. I'm not saying that amazing people like this only live here, but because of how the Lord directed me in my life so that I'm in this area at this time in my life, I've met some amazing people.
These people aren't public speakers, but they are caregivers. They patiently love and care for family members who have been in accidents or who are ill, and they do it all without much thanks. They are the ones to work behind the scenes and carry burdens for their friends, family, and others who may be struggling. Their stories are unique and deeply personal.
Because I'm in this area where so many families are close together, it's makes me miss mine when I'm away from them and increases my desire to know them better. I've become more aware of family members of mine who I admire for their lives and how they live them too.
I feel blessed to know people like this, and while I enjoy and am blessed by hearing the well-spoken words of the men and women who take the stage and pulpits (what they do is important and the Lord uses them), my life is also challenged by the lifestyles of the people I described above.
They sacrifice their own comfort and easiness to provide a good life for others. They struggle with the challenges they face in their lives, but they still press on. Sometimes they get overlooked. They put others first, even if they're not thanked. They don't get awards for their good deeds, but they reflect the Lord in their quite, love-filled lives and attitudes.
It's not the attention you draw that makes you who you are, but it's how you live your life even when you get no praise, thanks, or recognition for your sacrifices and actions.
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