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Fran is learning from Jesus that she can show compassion toward people, even when she doesn’t really like them. Fran’s challenge from Jesus is to get to know Joyce, an assistant in her department who is negative and lazy. He has suggested she first pray for Joyce every day and then invite her to lunch.
It’s the next day, and Fran did pray for Joyce before she left home and asked Jesus to help her see Joyce the way he sees her. As Fran arrives at the office, she looks for Joyce to invite her to lunch. Joyce gives Fran a sour look.
“You got more changes to that proposal?” she asks with irritation.
“No,” Fran replies with a chuckle, “I just wanted to know if you’re available for lunch, Joyce—my treat?”
The look on Joyce’s face is a mixture of surprise and suspicion. “What’s this all about?”
“Not about anything—just lunch,” Fran responds. Joyce agrees, reluctantly, and they set up a time.
After her morning meeting, Fran walks out to Joyce’s desk, and finds her talking on the phone to a friend. She hangs up, and they head next door to the coffee shop. As they sit down Joyce looks at Fran nervously and says, “You’ve had me worried all morning. I figure you’re gonna chew me out about something.”
Fran looks in her eyes and for the first time sees the fear and loneliness there. She says, “No, Joyce, honestly, no hidden agenda here. I just realized yesterday that you and I have worked together for six months but I really don’t know you. I realized we have something in common. I’m a single mom, like you.”
Joyce is still a little suspicious, but she starts to relax. “Yeah, I know. It’s tough, isn’t it? How do you manage with two kids? I can barely make it with one.”
Fran replies, “Well, my kids are a little older, but I remember the terrible two’s. Your son is two, right? What’s his name?”
“Toby,” Joyce’s face lights up as she starts to talk about her son. “Yeah, he’s a hand full, but he’s so cute.” She shows Fran a picture.
“Who keeps him while you work?” Fran asks.
“Day care center—very expensive. In fact, I’m behind in paying them. My ex hasn’t paid any support in months,” Joyce pours out her story to Fran. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, Fran.” Tears start down her cheek, and she quickly tries to hide them.
Fran thinks, “You’re right, Lord, this woman needs a friend. She’s not in my life by accident.”