“Go Ahead, Make My Day” by Justin March

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”Psalm 126:2-3

This may be hard to believe, but I was an extremely shy child.  I always felt undersized, immature, and behind my peers.  Being a late bloomer caused me to be soft spoken, and my lack of confidence opened up the opportunity for others to bully and make fun of my timid nature.  It was a difficult time in my life, and many of my childhood memories leave me with sorrow, regret, and humiliation.

It wasn’t until I was a senior that I started to build an understanding of who I was.  I had been driving for a couple years, working at the local grocery store, and partying hard.  My confidence began to build, and once I graduated and headed to Lincoln for college, I began to be the guy others gravitated to.  People told me I was always fun to be around, and it was known that if you went out with Justin it was going to be a good time.

I loved the way my personality had changed, once I got into my late teens and early twenties, but it took many years before I would come to understand that my fun-filled nature was a little selfish.  I was always doing what I wanted to do.  I was always doing what made me feel good.  And I was always doing whatever filled my cup.  I never thought twice about how the people I was with may be feeling.  I just assumed they felt the same way I did.

Now that I am in my fifties, I have come to realize that enjoying the successes and stories of others is just as fulfilling.  I love being around people who are honest and willing to share.  I am able to empathize when others are hurting, I am able to laugh when they are silly, and I am able to support in times of need.  That once shy child has blossomed into someone who meets no strangers and is willing to talk to anybody.

I have often pondered how this transformation took place.  Maturity, stability, and support from family and friends have definitely helped.  But, there is something more to this than meets the eye.  There is something that many people are unable to understand.  And there is something, that unless you are willing and open to accept, consumes who you are and allows your personality to shine bright.

It took many years, but I have come to understand that being friends with Jesus has allowed me to be friends with everyone I meet.  His forgiving nature, his amazing grace, and his undying love have been the reasons for the transformation.  He gives me the guidance needed to share life’s trials with another.  He opens my eyes to see the beauty within, not just what’s on the surface.  And he gives me the perspective that every embrace, every touch, and every word can mean much more than I am capable of comprehending.  His friendship continues to bring me joy, and that elated state becomes such a blessing as his contagious personality molds into mine.

These days, I find myself enjoying others.  I am blessed to have an amazing family and network of friends.  I love them dearly and will do anything to make them happy.  But, I also have learned there are many other people that have made my acquaintance, and although they may not necessarily be labeled as friends, they are no less important when I am traveling this amazing journey.  Their words are important, our brief encounters are enlightening, and my cup is filled every time I get to converse with them.

So, whether it is my buddy Phil at King Soopers, my homegirl Rachel at Denver Beer Company, or the people whose names I cannot remember at The Brutal Poodle, Trve Brewery, Platte River Grille, Slattery’s, and The Post, it is their brief touches and their stories that bring me so much joy.  I make it a point to search them out, say hello, and let them know it is always a pleasure to see them.  It brings a smile to their face, and you know what, it brings a smile to mine as well.

Our encounters may seem trivial at times, but even if we do not think our smiles make a difference, I can assure you they do.  I have come to find these brief moments are healing and that they help me become more engaging, understanding, and accepting.  And the ultimate compliment comes when the people I seek out tell me thank you for hunting them down and for putting a smile on their face.

Thank you Jesus for sharing your love and friendship with us.  It is a gift I pray that transcends into how you engage with others.  It is a gift I pray that allows you to accept their differences.  And it is a gift I pray that helps you find joy and happiness as your light shines for all the world to see.

I leave you with this.  I remember watching Clint Eastwood as a child and loving his confidence.  I remember how cool he was and how he seemed to always command the room.  He had the traits I always wanted, and I looked up to him as a strong and willing man.  But, once I met Jesus and accepted him as my friend, I understood nobody else could be the miraculous pillar that held up all the relationships I now enjoy.  And just as “Dirty” Harry Callahan said in the 1983 film, “Sudden Impact,” I look to Jesus to guide my journey and find myself allowing him, each morning, to “Go Ahead and Make my Day!”