At every Toastmasters meeting we have what’s called Table Topics led by a Table Topics Master. This allows members to give impromptu talks for one to two minutes on whatever subject the Master selects.
This past week our Table Topics Master selected the theme “Spring Break.” Questions asked included, “Where did you go on your favorite spring break?” And, “Where would you like to travel on spring break?”
I was the fifth and final person to speak. My question was, “Where would you send your worst enemy for spring break?” I squirmed for a moment before I stood. My response went something like this:
“I don’t have a worst enemy. But if I did, I’d send them to—.”
I froze and couldn’t think of anyplace horrible to send someone considered my enemy. The idea didn’t sit well with me. But then I thought, where would God expect me to send them? I continued.
“I’d send them to a beautiful place. Then they’d think I’m wonderful and no longer their
enemy. Maybe a place where I’d like to travel—a Mediterranean cruise to Greece and
Italy. Or a place I’ve been—one of my favorite places. A beach in the beautiful Hawaiian
Islands. Maui or perhaps the North Shore of Oahu.”
With that little speech, I won the trophy. I won because I spoke in love and desired to do what’s right and good if I had an enemy. The person who gave me the trophy said, “You took lemons and made lemonade.” No. God took someone selfish and resentful and filled her with His love. He did that in me.
Now, please don’t try to become my enemy and expect me to send you to Hawaii or on a Mediterranean cruise. Not going to happen!
Matthew 5:44—“But I say, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you” (NLT).
Philippians 2:3-5—“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (NLT).
Where would you send your worst enemy?