I begin with a scenario. Allow me to set the scene:
Time: 8:30 AM
Place: Corporate building of a major city
Weather: Mild Thunderstorm
[You are walking toward your office of employment. Enter a 20-something female holding a single sunflower in her right hand. Her long brown hair cascades down the back of her business suit, and her high heels click across the marble-tiled flooring. The large and vividly-colored yellow flower instantly draws your attention to her. Although you are behind her and cannot see her face, you know that she is smiling because everyone she passes is smiling at her. Something about her is intriguing, but you cannot quite put your finger on it.As the woman passes a small gift shop, she pokes her head through the glass doors, gives a wave to the elderly Indian man at the cash register, and cheerfully says, "Good morning!" This is clearly not the first greeting of its kind, as the store owner offers a smile and a personal greeting in return.Sunflower still in hand, she continues walking toward the bank of elevators and goes out of her way to hold the door open for the petite Hispanic custodian pushing a large garbage bin. The custodian thanks her and flashes a smile back toward the woman. At this point, you cannot take your eyes off of the woman and her sunflower.You walk into the elevator bank behind her as she pushes the 'up' button. You have yet to catch a glimpse of her face because her hair is covering the small part that would otherwise be visible. You realize that the two of you are about to get on the same elevator, so you decide to make small talk. To break the ice, you tell her that her sunflower is beautiful.She finally turns toward you. Her smile is contagious, and you find yourself suddenly smiling back. She thanks you and tells you that a coworker of hers was out sick yesterday, so she brought the sunflower today for that coworker. As you part ways, she tells you that she hopes you have a wonderful day as you get one last glimpse of the not-so-mysterious-anymore sunflower.]
Odd story, you say? Well, this is not a hypothetical scenario. I was actually in those shoes witnessing this woman's selfless actions a few days ago.
This woman was incredibly attractive. Although she was beautiful, I am not referring to her attractiveness in the sense of outer beauty, but rather in the sense of how the opposite ends of a magnet are attracted to each other. I was literally drawn toward her.
And what was it that attracted me so? It was the love that she exuded to every single person who crossed her path that morning. Even before babies are born, they develop a connection with their mothers. We innately crave love. Love is attractive.
I was not on the receiving end of the woman with the sunflower's love, but I could certainly feel it. It was as if she was in a parade, throwing out handful after handful of candy to the spectators, and I was following her, picking up the leftover bits. She did not pick and choose who to give her love to, she just kept pouring it out. She did not let the morning's heavy traffic or rainy weather block her outflow of love, either. She was giving love unconditionally, just like our Father gives to us.
...so do it. Love unconditionally. Small gestures make tremendous differences. Strive to be attractive, not because of people-pleasing tendencies, but because of God-pleasing tendencies. When others are drawn to you, you will have the opportunity to be the arrow that points them to Him! It will not be easy, but if seeing the woman with the sunflower do so made such an impact, just think of the impact that will be made when you carry it forward.
And yes, I will admit- the title of this post was 100% misleading... but no matter your intentions, whether you are seeking a romantic attraction or are seeking to share the ultimate message of Hope, love is always a great place to start.
"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16
