You Just Never Know

I was eye witness to two scenarios that impacted my life the past few weeks. One on a large scale, the other, I’m certain no one else saw.

Scenario #1: Our family went to a high school football state final game at Ford Field the day after Thanksgiving. It was a match-up of two incredible teams with incredible talent. As the score went back and forth, it was evident that it was a battle on the field. And yet there was not one unsportsmanlike conduct (that I remember) and even from the stands, no incidences where emotions ran too high. Just a game of class and competition. At the end of the game, “our” team lost by 1 point. Yes, the game was that close. When the final horn sounded, both teams lined up, shaking hands, hugging, and with slaps on the back. At the end of our team’s line, was the team manager, who was wheelchair bound. This kid never once played a single minute, but was there, EVERY minute of EVERY game. As he wheeled himself up to the congratulatory line, the opposing team, after shaking the player’s hands, shook this kid’s hand as well. In fact, so many opposing teammates shook his hand that he didn’t have time to keep wheeling himself forward to stay in the line.

This, this act of kindness and acknowledgement, brought tears to my eyes. That moment will forever be etched in my mind. This kid, who will never be able to run across the field, was congratulated just like all the other kids were. A kind gesture that most likely spoke volumes to his heart. A kid who will always be part of “the team”. A kind gesture that spoke volumes to MY heart. Well done, opposing team.

Scenario #2:

While on my way home from getting my hair trimmed, I was driving down a rural road when I met the city bus going the opposite way. I found it a bit odd that it drove all the way out there, but I also wasn’t far from town either. As I drove by, a fragile woman was walking down her icy driveway. I could almost feel the tenseness she carried with each timid step she took, trying not to slip. For a hot second I thought, “I should stop and help her…” but as soon as that thought crossed my mind, the sweet and attentive city bus driver climbed out of his seat and quickly tip-toed to her rescue, helping her get to the door of the bus, and to safety.

I’m certain no one else saw the generosity and choice that man made in that moment, except me. Yes, the woman he helped felt his deep kindness, but it was me, who witnessed this selfless act that challenged me to go out of my way, to help someone in need.

So why do I share these two scenarios with you?

Because it matters what we choose to do. It matters how we treat people. It matters what we say. It matters how we say it. IT ALL MATTERS. We don’t do acts of kindness to be seen by men, but for our Heavenly Father. We are to reflect His character, His love, and His kindness – so out of gratitude, we reflect Him and do these things. The verses below only drive home this point:

1. Galatians 6:10 (ESV)
   So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
   
2. Galatians 5:22 (ESV)
   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
   
3. Micah 6:8 (ESV)
   He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
   
4. Proverbs 21:21 (ESV)
   Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.
   
5. 1 John 3:17 (ESV)
   But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW how your choice may impact the person you are helping. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW who may be watching. While doing devotions with Mazy each morning, we talk about our choices and she often says, “Mom, I think, would Jesus be happy with it?” (“It” meaning words or actions). And honestly, that’s a great way to think about it – if Jesus wouldn’t be pleased, then maybe it’s not right. Our choices matter. And…

You just never know. God has this crazy plan for our lives and maybe the “crazy” part is us being a part of it – how he uses US, to benefit His creation and His people. In fact, I know it is. Choose well. Because you just never know.