There are times in
life when we feel that we have given our all. More often than not, this
is simply a feeling, not necessarily a reality. Consider the following
inspirational story about two young siblings from California, which, quite
literally, has motivated me to reassess my own giving.
Many years ago, when I
worked as a transfusion volunteer at Stanford Hospital, I got to know a little
girl named Liza who was suffering from a dreaded disease and needed blood from
her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and
had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor
explained this situation to her little brother, and asked the young lad if he
would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for
only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it, if it
will save Liza.”
As the transfusion
progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing
the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile
faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will
I start to die right away?”
Being very young, the
boy had misunderstood the doctor and thought his sister needed ALL of his
blood.
What a love!
This true story stirs deeper reflection on the vicarious sacrifice of our Lord
and Savior, Jesus Christ. On Calvary (and even before the foundation of
this world), Jesus became willing and ready to GIVE HIS ALL to redeem us from
the twin scourges of sin and death. In His own words, “Greater love has
no man than this, that a man would lay down his life for his friends.” (John
15:13)
The question is
begged, “How much of ourselves are WE willing to give?” The world in
which we live places such heavy demands on our time and energy that sometimes
we find it difficult to attend to the most mundane of matters that would bring
a smile to the faces of our loved ones. Think about it. Husbands,
are you too busy, too tired, or just too important to rise up from your chair
and carry a glass of water to your thirsty wife? Or is that just “women’s
work?” Wives, are you too preoccupied with the demands of your day to
speak a word of encouragement or correction to your children?
The truth, plain and
simple, is that LIFE GOES BY VERY QUICKLY. A close friend and colleague
from Ohio, Reverend Willie Templeton, is often heard saying “MAKE IT COUNT!”
Such a timely and emotionally present attitude is imperative since,
according to James (the brother of Jesus), our lives may be likened to a vapor
that appears for one fleeting moment, then swiftly fades away. (James 4:14)
Therefore, we must resolve TODAY to perform purposeful and random acts of
kindness for our families, friends, and yes, even strangers that we encounter.
The Word admonishes us that “thereby some have entertained angels
unaware.” (Hebrew 13:2) Agape love manifests itself through loving
sacrifice. Why not give it a try? It will surely cast a beam of
radiant light into many dark and empty places.
Sisters and brothers,
be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO
MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
No comments:
Post a Comment