“The universe doesn’t revolve around you.” You’ve heard this before and said it yourself. But here’s the crux of it: most of our lives are spent preoccupied with ourselves. We worry about what might happen to us and how our feelings might be hurt. It’s not inherently negative, but it narrows our perspective and limits our thinking.
When we’re the center of our own universe, we tend to miss out on life’s adventures and opportunities for personal growth. We may perceive others as obstacles to our happiness and avoid reaching out to them.
My wife and I were waiting for a plane at an airport restaurant when I noticed an individual struggling a bit with his meal. Since he was wearing a Coast Guard shirt, I approached him, expressing my gratitude for his service to our country. We talked about the service, our faith in Christ, and our families. He lit up with joy, delighted to have someone talk to him. We engaged in a 20-minute conversation, and it was clear that we had positively impacted his day. Little did he know that he had also enriched our lives.
My takeaway is this: When we reach out to others, we experience unintended blessings. It’s a humbling reminder that we’re not the center of the universe. Where were you when I established the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Job 38:4