One of our grandchildren’s favorite cartoon characters is Curious George. If you are not familiar with the Curious George series let me explain. Curious George is a monkey. He doesn’t actually talk but he does communicate with people using squeaky sounds and physical gestures. His owner does talk and they communicate pretty well. The owner doesn’t have a name but he is known as the man with the bright yellow hat. George gets into mischief and the man with the Yellow Hat helps Curious George get out of trouble.
When I go out for my morning walk I wear a bright yellow jacket. It belonged to my father and was handed down to me when he died. It is light weight and has large side pockets. It keeps me warm on those cool overcast mornings.
I think my bright yellow jacket has made me easily recognizable by people and pets. My neighbor usually walks his friendly dog in the morning. The dog’s name is Susie. She is excited to greet people and other pets in the neighborhood. And when she sees me she goes crazy. She pulls and tugs on her owner almost dragging him down the sidewalk to greet me. I think she recognizes my bright yellow jacket. She gets excited half a block away when I come into view. She can’t wait to say hello.
Several other neighbors say hello as we walk past each other. I don’t know all of them by name but I think they remember me because of my yellow jacket. I guess it has become my trademark. They recognize the good looking guy with the bright Yellow Jacket.
I wonder what characteristics people recognize in your life. Certainly our outward appearance does make an impression on other people. But more importantly – what do people see on the inside of your heart? Do they see you being kind to others and hear you sharing words of encouragement? Or do they see you being selfish and hear you complaining and speaking words of criticism?
The Bible says we look at people’s outward appearance but God looks at the heart (First Samuel 16:7). Let me encourage you to not be attracted to people just because of the clothes they wear or the style of their hair but by what you see and hear from the inside of their heart. And, keep an eye out for a good looking guy with a bright yellow jacket. You will be glad you did and he will too!
Read 365 more stories and articles by the author in his book Let Me Encourage You. You can order a copy at markh@efreedb.org. The price is only $20 (plus $5 for postage). Order your copy today.
Let Me Encourage You by Mark Hopper 