20 MARCH

LOOK, STOP, HELP!

“We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. (Romans 15:1, GNT)

Sometimes we are so busy and focused on achieving our own set goals and fulfilling our desires that we forget to look, stop and help others. And of course, this also prevents us from taking time out to enjoy and be thankful for God’s creation–to observe the singing of the birds, the blossoming of the flowers, the smell of the early morning dew on the dust, and the rustling of the leaves and the trees

Joni Erikson Tada told a story of an amazing happening at the Los Angeles Special Olympics. A huge crowd had gathered. The starter’s gun fired and off the contestants raced. As they rushed toward the finishing line, one boy left the track and started running toward his friends standing in the field. As the whistle blew to draw his attention, one of the other competitors, a Down syndrome girl with thick bottle glasses turned and “looked”. She “stopped” just short of the finishing line and called out to the boy to get back on track.

The boy stopped and looked back but just stood there, confused. Realizing he was confused, she left the track and ran over to “help” him. She linked arms with him and together they ran back to the track and finished the race. They were the last to cross the line, but were greeted with hugs from their fellow competitors and a standing ovation from the crowd.

This act of love teaches us an important life lesson: to take time out from our own goals in life to help others find their way.

ACTION: Look out for someone who needs your help. Stop your own race, and help! Meditate on Matthew 25: 35–36.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to finish my race and be greeted by angelic hugs and thunderous standing ovation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.