Light YOUR World

Because of some personal experiences I have been having, I was pondering the Good Samaritan a few days ago. I read an article that completely changed the way I think about it. We have a tendency to focus on the question the attorney asked, "Who is my neighbor?", but there is a greater question asked at the end by Jesus Himself.

"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?"

Is this story about the man who fell among thieves or about who his neighbor was. Is it about WHO we serve, or who WE are? Are we a "priest" who crosses to the other side of the road because we don't have enough time or we don't want to dirty ourselves? Are we a Levite who is better than doing that kind of work? Or are we a Good Samaritan? Maybe WE are someone most wouldn't want help from, but we're willing to help, whenever, where ever. The Lord's statement to "go and do thou likewise" can have much significance for us if we'll search our hearts.

I don't want to embarrass the someone I love who sent me this story, but it touched me deeply. A story of an unlikely Good Samaritan.

 

Had a little experience that I wanted to share real quick before I forget and I'm not feeling the prompting anymore. Just a few minutes ago I was driving from the gym to walmart to pick up a couple things. I took a back road that is less busy from the usual traffic, especially now that it's Christmas time the roads are busier then ever. 

Anyway, as I was driving down the road about 100 yards ahead of me I saw a well dressed older gentleman looking both ways about to cross the street. I wasn't speeding but I was moving pretty quick because I was one of the only cars on this particular road. I saw the gentleman look my way, and could tell his mind was quickly debating if he could make it across before I came speeding by. I could almost see a boost of confidence in his step when he made the decision to take off across the road. 

Unfortunately his mind believed he still had more speed then he actually did because when he stepped off the curb and into the street he almost stumbled from the step trying to move forward quickly across the street. Now I saw this from the beginning...so I was already prepared to slow down, but this gentleman didn't know if I saw him or not and if I was on my way to deliver him to the end of his road. You could see he was trying to lift his arm to alert me to stop because he knew he wasn't going to make it across and that there was no turning back. 

Now all of this happened in a quick couple seconds, but before I could reach my foot for the brake, a younger athletic man bolted out into the street out of nowhere. He was poorly dressed and you could tell he had little money wearing a jacket with holes all throughout. He threw his arm around the older gentleman and put his hand out towards me to stop. As I slowed to a stop 10-15 yards away, this younger man helped carry the older gentleman across the road. He didn't rush him, he was in no hurry, he just gave the older gentleman a shoulder and used his weight to help lift the man so he could regain his step and walk across the road. 

Once they crossed, the younger gentleman gave the older man a side hug letting him know he was safe, and then turned the other way and went back to wherever he came from and the older gentleman carried on his way. 

This probably sounds...cliche, a younger person helping the elderly across the road...but in the moment all I could picture was the Savior. There we are, thinking we're strong and confident in life, about to cross a road or decision. We've hurdled ourselves out there thinking we can make it and the next thing you know we have a speeding truck, trial or bump in the road coming at us with no way to avoid catastrophe. 

Just when it seems all is lost, here comes our perfect Savior, who jumps out in the street to our rescue, putting his arm around us assuring us we are safe, while reaching out his hand commanding the trial or problem to "be still." Once we're back to safety He allows us to continue on reminding us that He is always there to watch over and protect us, to calm the storms we face. 

I could not resist the urge to share this little experience that was a reminder to me to always remember the Savior. He's always there for us. He lives. In this time of season I invite you to look for Christ like examples, and look for opportunities to serve the way the Lord did. Thank you for listening to my little testimony. I hope everyone has a good day. 

Then, someone else I love responded with this perfect video. There's a #LightTheWorld campaign going on the next 25 days. How will you LIGHT YOUR WORLD? This is beautiful.

IAT = I am thankful

 FOR JUST ALL OF IT.

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