Naturally Sharpened

Naturally Sharpened

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Ephesians 4:1-2

When I was growing up, I was mesmerized by the talk that went on inside our local barbershop, and I especially enjoyed listening to my barber, Mr. Hampton. He was another of those people in my life who probably didn’t realize the platform he had but used it to impact many people anyway. I often got my hair cut on Fridays before football games, and Mr. Hampton would always wish me well.

But he did much more than that. He talked with me about sports, classes, girls, and anything else that was going on in my life. He would encourage me, offer advice, and show that he cared. In some ways, it was like the stereotypical barbershop you see in movies, with practical wisdom flying around as freely as the freshly cut hair. But it was real and honest, and it made a difference to guys like me. Whether he was aware of it or not, Mr. Hampton had an audience with men, especially young ones, and used it to influence and impact our lives. Many of us would come in thinking we were getting a haircut, but we left with so much more.

Mr. Hampton didn’t seem concerned with impressing people with status or fulfilling a certain role. He believed that if he simply listened and showed that he cared, God would sort out the rest. As he faithfully did the best he could at cutting hair, he was able to be involved in the lives of those who came into his shop. And everyone who walked in the door would leave feeling a little better about life than when they came in.

That’s a wise way to live. God has put each of us in a place where no one else stands. There are people around us who will look up to us, listen to us, and follow our example for no other reasons than because we are available, have shown that we care, and have offered whatever wisdom we have. That’s a role worth appreciating—and using to build into the lives of others.

Uncommon Key > You stand where no one else stands in the lives of those around you. Make a point to engage in conversation as often as you can, sharing lessons from life experiences. You can make a positive difference.