In the past few crazy weeks, I have made some observations about people. I must warn you, these observations weren’t always made in the best of circumstances (for them or for me)! As you read through my conclusions about people, I would ask that you do so with a gracious attitude. After all, I am one.

People are silly.

Ridiculously so.

People are weird. They are illogical. Their emotions can run amuck. People can be terrible afraid or overly confident, and both without basis. They can be easily swayed or stubbornly uncompromising. People make decisions that are irrational, irresponsible, or just plain terrible. They talk when they should be listening. They listen to anybody who’s talking. They claim to be individuals, yet can’t seem to climb above seeking public approval. I could go on and on. The truth is, people are silly. And remember, I am one.

People are frustrating.

Oh, good grief! So frustrating!

Maybe it’s because they are silly, but the last few weeks have made it undeniably clear — people get under my skin. They boggle my mind. At times, they frustrate me to no end. And especially the ones who don’t think correctly — you know? The way I think they should. Those are the worst! With this truth so plain, the answers so clear, and the way forward so simple, how can they not get it? If you’re having a hard time understanding it all, just agree with me, and we will both be right. People are something else! So frustrating. See? I told you I was one.

People are a great blessing.

I need people. Boy, do I !

Bet you didn’t see that one coming. Neither did I (at least not to this extent.) In these weeks, I looked forward to time set to a different pace. I actually craved the isolation of “social distancing.” I couldn’t help but think about how great it was going to be to be alone in my thoughts. As one of my friends says, it was going to be “less peopley.” “Hallelujah! Free at last! Free at last!” And, it was pretty great — for just a short while. And, then, something happened. I missed people. The first inkling was as our church gathered outside, out of our routine, and at safe distances. As I saw their eyes, something happened in my heart. I missed the people behind those eyes. I need people.

I need people to laugh with, people to talk, plan, and even lament with. I need people to shake hands, hug, and eat meals with. Most of all, I need people to walk with Jesus with me. I do better with shared prayers, shared encouragement, and shared missions. Maybe others are strong enough to go it alone, but not me. I need people. For sure, people are a great blessing. I pray that I am one.

People are God’s thing.

God loves people. Amazingly so!

In the midst of all of this, I began to see anew how gracious, loving, and kind our God really is. I began to see it more clearly by looking at these people. You see, these silly people — the ones who do dumb things, ridiculous things — He loves them. These frustrating people — so hardheaded and obstinate — He wants them. These people, all of these people — He died for them, buying for Himself a people for His own possession. And praise the Lord! I am one.