As I was reading through the story of The Good Samaritan this week, God brought to my mind something that happened a few years ago – regrettably this is a true story.
It was Thanksgiving Day 2007 and I headed to the grocery store early that morning. I wanted to pick up a paper so that later in the day, after our delicious Thanksgiving meal, I could curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee and look over all the “Day after Thanksgiving Day” sale ads. As I stood in line to pay, busy contemplating the day ahead, the gal in front of me was trying to figure out which of her items to put back because she only had enough cash in her hand to pay for a portion of what had been rung up. She ended up having the cashier pull out 4 or 5 items – she then paid for what she had left and walked out of the store. I know what you’re thinking right now – “didn’t you offer to pay for the items she had to put back?” No, I didn’t. With a heavy heart, I have to say that it didn’t even cross my mind until I got into my van out in the parking lot. As I sat there thinking through what had just happened, I realized that I had totally blown an opportunity to show God’s love and mercy. To this day, I still can’t believe how wrapped up in myself I was.
I share this story because I’m afraid that this sort of thing happens more than we’d like to admit. We get so caught up in our own world, in our own busyness, that we miss the opportunities God gives us to reach out to those around us – at the grocery store, at school, at the gym or right next door.
I asked for God’s forgiveness that day for being so blind to someone else’s need even though it was literally right in front of me.
Each day I want to have my eyes wide-open, looking for ways to meet other’s needs. My prayer is that you and I will be ready; each time God gives us the opportunity, to be a “Good Samaritan” that reflects God’s love and mercy. Are your eyes wide-open today?
Kristi
P.S. Parents – be sure and read the 100 Day Challenge Kid Blog with your kids – click here
Kristi loves working with kids and it shows in everything that she does. She’s passionate about “leading kids on a journey to know Jesus and make Him known.”