I meet a lot of people who say they are worried about the "state" of the world. That there just isn't any good left and that humanity is declining in its morality and goodness. Sadly, it is from people of faith that I tend to hear this the most.
In the kind of work I do I get to be around people that truly represent the good. I have the privilege of working beside people who show genuine care and compassion to those who are dying and to their families. I expect to experience that when I am at work because that is the very nature of what we do.
This weekend I got to experience kindness and concern in a different context. I was on the receiving end and it wasn't at work.
Experience 1: My beloved truck which has so faithfully got me around through the ice and snow decided to rebel for some reason and just stopped. Thankfully, we had just pulled off on a side street when everything shut down. My first reaction was less than honorable as my jaw clenched and some unfortunate grumblings made their way out under my breath. Trying to restart it, a guy in another truck pulled up beside and offered his help. I declined and said that my son and I would just push it into a parking lot and without hesitation he said, "Ok - I'll help you push then." He pulled up ahead and came back, in the slush and all, and helped us push the truck into a neighboring parking lot. I thanked him for his help and he was on his way.
Case 2: We ran into old friends at Costco - friends we hadn't seen for probably at least a couple of years. As we were talking, they made it a point to introduce their two sons to our son. Their mom stated, "We want them to meet Cade because we pray for him every night so now they can have a face with the name." We had been in a small group with this family before we moved to New Jersey. While in New Jersey my son was diagnosed with a rare eye disease and they have been praying for him ever since. That has been 5 years.
Both of these experiences were kind of convicting for me. On the one hand, having the openness to see and act upon opportunities and to come alongside people when the opportunity presents itself. Am I too focused on my own schedule and agenda that I pass by people that could use a hand? Did I get so mad at the inconvenience of my truck breaking down because it messed up the plans I had in mind? What was in the guy's heart that made him stop to help? Secondly, the consistent, faithful, intentional concern to lift others up in prayer by name causes me to pause and evaluate my own prayer life. Am I just as intentional with my prayers? By even asking the questions I am admitting that I need a little work in both of these areas.
So tonight I am thankful for the examples of these two experiences - one from a stranger and one from long time friends. And when I think about it - I am surrounded by a lot of people that inspire me and challenge me in these and other ways. I am a blessed man.
And surely, there still is goodness and loving kindness in the world.
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