What are you doing for lunch?
A few years ago, when our son Pater was in 9th grade, he texted me from school and asked,
“Mom, what are you doing for lunch?”
I answered, “I’m getting my hair cut right now. … I’m sorry, did you want me to come take you to lunch?”
He texted, “Well, I’m by myself and don’t have anyone to eat with.”
I quickly responded, “Oh, Pater, I know your heart!
“Try and look for others who may be alone too. … I just know at your school, some boy woke up this morning and said a prayer that he wouldn’t have to eat lunch alone.”
Jokingly he wrote back, “Yeah … that boy was me.”
Everyone you pass in the hallway at school and at church wears an invisible sign that says,
Notice me.
See me.
Include me.
Everyone!
So let’s be brave!
Invite someone to join you for lunch.
Be the first to smile when you see someone coming toward you.
Say “hi” or start up a conversation with the person sitting right next to you.
I know I always feel better after.
It lifts us both.
Let’s be brave and include people like Jesus.
Invite someone to eat with you. (Think of Zacchaeus.)
Invite someone to walk with you. (Think of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.)
Invite someone to feel the warmth and light of your smile. (Think of His ministry in 3 Nephi.)
It’s what Jesus did.
It’s what He does.
He notices, He sees, and He includes.
What are you doing for lunch?
Your friend,
Sister Tamara W. Runia
First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency