I remember one year I sprained my ankle in the church parking lot while going to pick up a vanload of teenagers. The ankle was iced and wrapped, but I still needed to take the kids home. When the kids got out of church I told the them about my mishap. And you know what? No one commented about my ankle, instead they wondered if Nick and Mandie, the latest ‘couple’ at church, were going to break up.

I moaned a bit and told them I was sore. Still, no sympathy, but a discussion ensued about whether or not Ben needed a fashion consultant. I then lamented, “If I pass out you’ll need to pull the van over to the curb and phone 911.” The van went silent. At last, I thought, finally they’ll focus on my needs. Instead, my brood of unlicensed teens began fighting amongst themselves as to who would be the better driver when I passed out.

I sighed. Is our culture so busy that we’ve lost our ability to demonstrate compassion upon others? Jesus had compassion. In Mathew 14:14 we read, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Jesus had a purpose in coming to earth, he was busy, yet never too busy to stop and care for those who needed his gentle touch

I began wondering if sometimes I get so caught up with my “things to do list” that I forget to help the people God places in my life. People with sprained hearts and broken dreams calling out for someone to notice…and care.

Since that day I’ve packed a first aide kit in my van. I’ve made sure to keep a healthy dose of kindness on hand, after all emergencies occur when you least expect them.

Blessings,

Lynne