I was digging through a care package I had just received when I suddenly saw it peeking out from under a stack of school newspapers like manna from heaven—a can of FriChik! I knew a chicken-salad sandwich was in my future. All I had to do was assemble the rest of the ingredients. The only ingredient that was difficult to find in Albania was mature celery, but occasionally I had seen immature celery. On two or three different trips to the market, I went to the same produce lady and asked for selino until finally she had a bunch for me to buy. From that time on, every time she saw me in the market she would pull me aside to see if I wanted any selino. She made sure she always had a bunch of this uncommon herb in case I wanted some.

Recently, as I was remembering this lady and her selino, her thoughtfulness struck me for the first time. Every time she stocked her booth she thought of what I might need. I remember walking past her in the market saying, “No thank you,” to her eager offer of celery, thinking she was just trying to make a sale. But in actuality she was probably losing money keeping this odd item in stock.

I go through life day by day focused on my tasks and agendas, and I often overlook the people around me. Thinking about this experience has made me pray more earnestly for love for the people around me and eyes to see them. Only then can I be an effective witness for Christ.

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