How much are the people in your life worth? I’m not talking about monetary value, as you can’t place a dollar amount on a person or their impact in your life. I’m talking about sacrificial value and consideration value. Who in your life is worth the time and effort it takes to simply talk to them. I was prompted to ask myself that question earlier this week after I chose to take some time to speak casually with a fellow co-worker.
Normally, I just walk by and say hey to this young lady when I see her, but a few days ago I chose to stop and engage in a conversation to get to know her. While talking with her I recognized that our conversation was getting real. I was smiling and I made her smile. The questions we were asking each other were meaningful and heartfelt. I really enjoyed our short conversation. We might even connect after work one day. I might’ve found a new friend. After we said our goodbyes and I walked away, I realized that I just determined her worth to me. And, now I speak to her differently, I even think of her and treat her differently… even though she’s the exact same person that I used to cordially greet and walk past.
I know I can’t make someone be someone they are not. No one can make a donkey into a horse. We still have to use wisdom in choosing the right people to have a relationship with, be it a dating or friend relationship. We shouldn’t treat people so superficially, and think they’re cool just because they look cute or they have or don’t have this or that. And, wisdom tells me that I will never know someone’s worth in my life until I spend time with them and get to know them.
Sometimes I find myself calling girls I’ve once met to reconnect with them. Especially when I’m lonely, there are many nights I find myself longing for someone to spend time with. And, when I call/text I know they probably won’t answer/reply… they never do. When I was younger I used to always feel the need to prove myself to people. To girls I was flirting with, to teachers who thought I wasn’t intelligent, to my dad who didn’t acknowledge my achievements. You can never prove yourself enough to someone, they determine your value.
Know your worth. And, surround yourself with others who recognize it as well.
