Prayers for Strangers

Now that I am evidently pregnant (at 28 weeks!), I admit I get to enjoy small perks. People are more considerate of my time and the limitation of my movement… Like my husband, who happily took over some of the chores that was on my list before, and offering me back rubs and foot massages several times a week. Or my sister who’s been busy planning my baby shower (yay!) but still consults me so she can make sure that I will love every detail (yes, I am a control freak, I know… please forgive the party planner in me). Or our parents (both Warren’s and mine) who makes sure I have packed lunch at work, since I spend most of my mornings trying hard to get up from bed and streeeeetchiiiinnggggg. I’m truly blessed to be showered upon so much love and support by those who are close to me. I thank them as often as I can and pray for them, and find ways to give back. I do my best to take care of myself and my baby, so everything that’s given to me is not put to waste. It’s easy to be kind to those whom we love. But what amazes me are the random strangers who go out of their way to offer me something, anything, no matter how small it may seem.

The smallest things matter in the biggest way.

To me, these are subway seats.

I know it sounds shallow, but imagine walking a few blocks under the New York humidity, going down the even hotter subway stations, only to find yourself standing in a crowded subway coach—and you need to stand for the next 45 minutes before you get to walk again before reaching the office. When you’re carrying extra baby weight and sweating because of hormones that heat up your body, it’s not easy. So to me, it’s really a big thing when someone offers me his/her seat. There’d be times when I will feel shy and say no, thanks– especially if it’s an older man or woman. But they would still insist, and I’m reminded that there are still a lot of good hearts in the world.

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So what do I do when I think the words thank you are not enough? I pray for them.

I pray for the one who offered me a seat be given the provision that he/she needs for the day– and for God to throw in a little “extra” as a thank you from me. Whether it’s a need or something his/her heart desires, only God knows, and I pray that the person is reminded that good things happen to those who are kind and generous even in the smallest things.

I hope that each time you see kindness around you, you’ll remember to PRay it Forward, as it remains to be one of the most beautiful and powerful things you can give to another person, even a stranger you might never see again.

“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.” John 14:13-14

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