There are many Bible admonishments regarding Christian behavior. Over and over Jesus himself created parables revolving around what He expected of us. Yesterday I was privileged to witness an example of Christ’s words reflected in deeds.
A young man was enjoying a restaurant meal with his family. Near the end of the meal his phone rang. When he answered it he discovered that a 70+ year old acquaintance was stranded at a local Walgreens. She had just been released from the hospital where she had spent several days battling Covid 19. Her roommate had picked her up but he was so impaired by alcohol that she was frightened for her life. She convinced him to stop at a nearby Walgreens so she could fill a prescription. Amazingly, he pulled into the parking lot of the pharmacy. From the store she called the police.
When they came they arrested the inebriated roommate. Now she was stuck at the Walgreens. She did not feel able to drive the fifteen miles to her home. A police officer agreed to take her home. But what about her car?
She reached out for the promise the young acquaintance had offered, that if she ever needed anything she should call him. The young man talked with her, calmly creating a plan to retrieve her vehicle the following morning. She apologized profusely for calling, for interrupting his meal, for making him leave his newborn child simply to retrieve her vehicle. To every heartfelt apology the young man replied, “No, you’re not bothering me. It’s okay. We’ll work it out.”
He did. The following morning, after enlisting the help of a family member, he arrived at the pharmacy and drove the vehicle to her home. There he made certain she was doing alright. Then he left her to recover.
Was this an inconvenience for him? Yes. Did it cost anything? Yes, gasoline. Was it worth the effort? Undoubtedly.
This is the point. As we travel this earth together, our Lord asks us to care for one another. All too often we assume this means we must go big or go home. This is not so. The small things, the smile, the uplifting message, a reassuring pat on the shoulder, can do wonders. This young man gave of his time and his heart. The elderly woman, still feeling the effects of a disease, felt loved, felt cared for. Praise God for this!
I was blessed also, for I was able to witness Christ’s words in action. In his humble way this young man inspired showers of blessings upon his own heart, his family, the recovering woman, and me. Thanks be to God.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to witness such selfless love. In our world of never-ceasing negativity, thank you for reminding me that Your light still shines in those who follow You. Rekindle my light, Lord, that I too may take Your light into the darkness of the world. Amen.
Traveling To Emmaus 