Two weeks ago, a friend and I had lunch at one of our local Asian restaurants. Just as the tradition always is, at the end of the meal, the waitress handed us our ticket along with our fortune cookies. I, for one, never eat the fortune cookie, but I love to read them. I carefully squeezed the cookie until it split, revealing a small slip of paper. I slowly removed it from its crumbled shell and unfolded it. On this tiny piece of paper, read these profound words:
“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.”
The literal meaning of this proverb is that nothing is impossible to someone who sets their mind to a particular thing, for it will be achieved. While this is true, my inquisitive mind began analyzing this phrase to find a deeper meaning. I carefully repeated this phrase in my mind, “Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. NOTHING is impossible to a willing heart.” The more that I said it over and over, the more I realized that the focus should not be on the words ‘nothing’ or ‘impossible,’ but rather on ‘A WILLING HEART.’
The word willing, means ‘cheerfully consenting.’ Heart is defined as the ‘center of total personality, especially with reference to feeling or emotion; capacity for compassion and affection; the vital, or essential core.’
WOW! Right there, in the definitions of those two words, is the deeper meaning to this profound statement.
We tend to only look at this proverb as something considered meant for ourselves. We read it and say, “I can set my mind to something and accomplish it.” But as I read these words and plugged in these definitions, I realized what I was actually reading. Nothing is impossible to a WILLING HEART.
Today, in this world, most have forgotten what it means to be a Christian and to love. We look at people and immediately judge them, not knowing what situation they may be faced with, or how far they have come in life after overcoming struggles. We have never walked in their shoes, why should we be given the right to judge? I am guilty of this very thing.
Just the other day, a man, who I assumed to be homeless, walked up to my friend and I asking for money. I, cold-heartedly, turned away, while my friend reached into her pocket and pulled out a ten dollar bill. After he walked away, I asked her why she gave him ten dollars….after all, money is hard to come by and my only concern was what he would do with it. She then asked me why I chose to turn away and not even consider the fact that out of all the people asking for money, this one might actually be wise with the money she gave him. It was like a slap in the face to me. I was put in my place. In just two seconds, with only a few words from his mouth, I judged him. Because of her WILLING HEART, she opened a window of possibilites for that man. IF ONLY I had a willing heart, could it have been possible that he would have taken my ten dollars and used it to buy a hamburger or a new shirt?
Everyone, I am sure, has heard the phrase, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” If we know that, then why does it happen all the time? Why is it that when someone walks up and introduces themselves, some people think right then and there that the person in front of them isn’t worth their time? Why is it that assumptions are made, that hinder what could become the greatest friendship, or the greatest love that someone could ever have? Assumption – taken for granted. Judgement – the forming of an opinion or conclusion. How can we just make an assumption or a judgement from only the first impression we get from someone? Shouldn’t we allow a little time to get to know that person, to hear their story, to know their dreams for their future? We can choose our friends, and the people we are associated with, but we must first have a WILLING HEART to give them a chance. It is not our place to judge….It is ALMIGHTY GOD’s!!!
As Christians, we need to remember that Jesus does not look at us for what we look like, or what and who we are. He looks inside of each and every one of us. He looks deep within our hearts. We, as human beings, should follow after Him and His example. Even some churches push people away. Discrimination is a major part of this problem. A church is a haven…..a hospital…..a place that is supposed to show mercy, care, and love. It is not a place that determines who can be there because of the color of their skin or the lifestyle they might lead. Cliques in the church also drive people away. There are those who no longer feel accepted or wanted by people. Although it is not intended that a person go to church for others, to feel unaccepted in a place where God wants EVERYONE to be welcome, is not of WILLING HEARTS. We should see others as God sees them…….a soul. It is our purpose, as Christians, to show others the love of Christ. If we choose to judge others, to make assumptions about others, and to immediately turn our backs towards them….what kind of Christians would we be? Do you think that God would be pleased? If you judge someone else, then you should stop and judge yourself for judging them. Most of all, think about how God is judging you. Judging is a sin. No sin is greater than another. Remember that the next time you assume that someone has great sins upon them….for if you are wrong, you will be the only one with sin. Have a WILLING HEART, that you might show someone God’s love. Endless possibilities might open for not only them, but also for you; and because of your WILLING HEART, your light will shine…and you will be blessed.
By having a WILLING HEART, we become less judgemental, more caring, more thoughtful, more loving, and more understanding. It is time that we look at others, through the eyes of Christ, just as my friend did. May our WILLING HEARTS be open….to possibilities….
“Nothing is impossible to a cheerful consenting, vital core of compassion and affection.”
~Bek~
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