"Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 NRSV

Standing in line at Walgreens, a woman overheard a conversation.

Another woman was complaining about school starting back already. She's a teacher and regretted that summer was already over for her.

A man behind her said, "You should be glad you have a job. I have been out of work for six months and can't find anything."

The woman quickly changed her tone. "You are so right. That is rather thoughtless of me. I am grateful. I actually love what I do. Thank you for reminding me that I should be grateful."

He replied, "I hope you are, because what you do matters. Teachers are important. Our world needs great teachers."

To which she said, "Well, today, you are the teacher and I'm the student." He went on to talk about the ways teachers made a difference in his life. The woman then said, "I would love for you to come and volunteer in my classroom as long as you can. I believe my kids would benefit from your sharing with them." He said he would be honored to do that. He used to teach and would be glad to be back in a classroom.

They exchanged cards.

Now some stories don't need a lot of commentary. There is so much to take away from that encounter. I don't want to interpret it for you but let you consider what it means for you. Don't you wonder where that story might lead?

Purpose. It's not just what we do. It is being who God made us to be. Every moment is a chance to find purpose and meaning. Every encounter is a chance to bring purpose and meaning to those moments.