Genesis 40:7 So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so sad today?”
The power of noticing what’s going on with others is tremendous. That’s something I tell my students at the beginning of every semester: If something feels off, if you seem sad or down or upset, I’m going to ask about it because I care about YOU.”
Genesis 40:8 “We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”
Sometimes when I ask, kids share what’s going on, but more often, they allow me to send them to a trusted adult so they can talk or they tell me they have already engaged their support systems and are working through the issues. Sometimes they just need space to breathe. Sometimes they won’t budge, to which I say, “I am worried about you. How can we move forward so I know that you will be ok?”
Genesis 40:9-10 So the chief cupbearer told Joseph his dream. He said to him, “In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes.
Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder of the power of noticing others, of asking after others. Thank You for the power of asking others if they are ok, if they need to talk or to breathe. Thank You for the power of compassion. Help me to continue to use it as I try to be Your hands and feet in this world. Amen.
Genesis 40:11 Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.”
Have a blessed day.