PASTOR’S CORNER

Last Week my wife and I took a little road trip for a quick getaway. We made our way to a nice restaurant for our last night in town.

As we left and made our way into the crowds of tourists that lined the sidewalks, we crossed paths with a young lady that will be stamped in our hearts for some time to come.

As we waited for the pedestrian light, to the right stood a young lady that looked like she was around our daughters’ ages. I can only speculate, but she had to be around 20ish.

To myself, I said, “she’s just a baby.” Her hair was curly and disheveled pulled up in a messy bun. She had on sweats and offbrand Ugg boots. A pink comforter wrapped around her, to help shield the cold air. Her backpack was packed full, hanging off her heavily burdened shoulders.

She turned and made eye contact with my wife, and in the same motion, the light changed, her eyes forward now, and we walked in the same direction.

As I crossed the street, my hand searched my pocket for what cash I could give. With no words, my wife and I exchanged gazes and I motioned for her to approach the young lady. In doing so, I stood at a safe distance.

Within a foot they stood face to face, eyes locked as my wife began to converse with her. With gentleness, kindness and compassion she began to ask a series of questions concerning her well-being and need. I gave the little cash I had, and it was placed in her hands.

Before walking away from her, Heather(wife) told her to be careful as much as she could out there. We continued our way, choked in the silence of our emotions as our eyes filled with tears and compassion for this sadeyed young lady.

In this area tourists walk on the streets, which is home to the homeless. Matthew 25:45 reads …”Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

A relationship with God produces the fruit of compassion. The line of those in need never ends. It is not our job to solve and meet all the needs of the less fortunate. As Christians it is an act of obedience to answer yes, when the Holy Spirit prompts you, aside from my own opinion on the misfortunes of others. We can see something and choose to pull the “Pass” card and say, I’ll take the next one God.” Through my own personal experience, the more often I said yes, the less I said no. The more yes, the more opportunity to extend and demonstrate compassion to world outside.

Are we people who see, yet close our hearts to those in need, or are we people who see and respond. Jesus not only had compassion to heal the suffering, but He showed the greatest act of compassion for mankind when He died on the cross for our sins. “John 3:16”

(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)