Simple People

Often times people think that if they are in a position of authority or in leadership of any kind, high-profile jobs, etc. that it automatically gives them the right to act as if they are better than everyone else. Most times, they definitely feel that they deserve better treatment and think much higher of themselves than anyone else thinks of them.
This week, I have had the privilege of serving a family of high position in Wichita Falls. There family has owned a local RV business for many years, all the way up until this gentleman became ill and was forced to sell to a local prominent car dealer, seeing as he was unable to take care of the business as it needed. This man served for several years on the City Council, as Mayor Pro Tem, and as Mayor for a short time. He was extremely involved in many activities, civic groups, his church, and many many different organizations. The family has all the "right" friends, with the "right" names that are ready to be dropped at anytime. The family had every "right" as an "influential" family to be snobbish and to act better than everyone else.
BUT, I was extremely impressed with them. They were not at all. In fact, they were more down to earth than a lot of people I know personally who I've been much closer to in my life.
This family was simple acting. They didn't dress as if they were millionares. They didn't even drive an "Expensive" car; infact, they drove a car like ours; an Altima. They didn't buy the most expensive funeral out there, but instead said that they wouldn't be where they're at now if they had spent there money on things that "didn't matter." The wife of the deceased told me that he(her husband) would haunt her the rest of her life if she spent a great deal on his funeral, to which the rest of the family laughed and agreed.
I got to sit with this lady this afternoon, in our "follow-up" meeting (a day after the funeral), and learned a great deal about her, her family, their lives as "Simple People", and how people could learn a lot from studying the life of her husband who always gave, never spoke ill of those who were less fortunate, who never "snubbed his nose, stretched his suspenders, or patted himself on the back" about all of his accomplishments. I sat in amazement and thought of the people that I know and/or have come in contact with who were much the opposite. People who were afraid to make friends because of the image it might portray on their position; people who make certain they have the best of everything, the moment it is available to them, and it made me think, yet again. "Lord, let me be more like these people. If I am ever in a position where people look up to me, or where I make decisions that effect other people, let me be like these people." True, they don't believe like me, but it didn't change the way they treated me, though they knew what I believe. I pray I have the humbleness to serve and appreciate what God has blessed me with.
Just my Thursday thought....

-approved by Farley Wells, CMDI who just walked by with a surfboard under his arm. What in the world is he up to this time?