Did you know that not everyone lives like we do? Like you do, like I do? If you are reading this, you have a tablet, computer or cell phone. Many people do not have these luxuries. Are you planning a vacation? Do you have a job that gives you vacation time? Many people do not have such opportunities to take a break from life.
Do you have a lake house? Do your cars start and run? Can you afford a house cleaner? Lawn service? Do you have health insurance? Can you go to the Royals games? Chief's games?
There is another economy in our world. And not just our world, but in Kansas City, in Lees Summit.
Some people take the bus because they have no car. Some people will never own, but always rent. Some people must go to the free health clinic. Some people work second jobs to throw me a bag of peanuts at the Royal's games. Some people come to the church to ask for food since they can't go to Price Chopper.
Have you noticed all of the places around town that make title loans? "Checks cashed today." For a fee. For a big fee. But there are so many of these places. If we are paying attention, it tells us that there are many people who are living a very different standard of living that most of the rest of us. They are all around us.
So what to do?
First of all, be aware. Wake up. Not everyone lives like we do.
Second, understand that they are God's children too. Although it may not be the job of government to fix all of those problems, God is very concerned about his children. All of them.
Finally, our lives as Christians are most fully expressed, not by what we believe, but by what we do.
Every time we step out of suburbia to help another, we have become the hands and feet of Christ. Maybe with practice, it can become not simply a generous interruption but a new lifestyle. New life is what Jesus is all about, and that might start in our heart, but it can't end there. New life, real life, is out there.... with God, with his people, caring for the least of these.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
2 comments:
Jeff, in your soul you have such genuine compassion for people. When I read this morning's post a beautiful thought occurred to me. I know that some of the memories or your childhood seem tough, painful and harsh. But I think maybe the things you learned like "life is not about you" and respect others, have emerged like a butterfly out of a cocoon.
In your growing up years the lessons sometimes didn't feel good. But as an adult these lessons from your parents have evolved into recognition of the worth of others.
God bless you for this outlook.
One other thing I thought about Jeff, when I consider that a painful past may have made you who you are today, is this. Even though your dad came from a generation where real men weren't able to show love or say "I love you" to their kids and others, your butterfly mode is now that you are just a great giver and receiver of love.
"He made all things beautiful in His time."
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