Day 26: May 30Scripture: Luke 6:32-36 I like the way Eugene Peterson begins this passage with his translation of Luke 6:31 in The Message: “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” Several years ago, a staff member from one of our Heart Havens homes came to Camp Rainbow Connection to provide additional support for a resident with significant disabilities. This employee was a stranger to us. I know he was uncomfortable at first. He stood out among the rest of the volunteer staff for camp that week: large in size, no strong connection to a church, no knowledge of how we traditionally do things at camp, from a very different background from most of us. This young man would sit with the youth staff at night after the campers had gone to bed, asking questions about their faith, about church, about Christianity. The youth shared their stories; the stranger shared his story. Those he talked with listened openly, never pushing, never questioning his past decisions. Through the relationships that developed that week, he came to see Christ in them. Late in the week, the young man developed a severe dental problem. He had no insurance and no funds to pay for a visit to the dentist. His pain showed on his face, but he continued to carry out his responsibilities with love and compassion for all our campers. Over his arguments, he was told that he would go have his tooth repaired. Without publicly saying a word about the situation, money started to be handed to me. Following the appointment, the dentist who completed the work at a reduced fee, told the young man to go ahead and leave the office without worrying about payment. I took the funds which had been offered generously – without asking – to the dental office, paid the bill, and gave the remaining money to the young man. He experienced the unconditional love of Christ. This young man’s life was changed, and so were the lives of those who took the time to enter into relationship with him for this short week. Jesus calls his disciples – all of us – to a new way of interacting with one another: the stranger, those different in ability from us, people of varied backgrounds, those of all age levels and diverse characteristics, our friends and enemies. “…do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great….” Prayer: Gracious and Loving God, who is it that you are calling me to sit with and talk to this day? May I always grab the initiative and reach out in Jesus’ name, expecting nothing in return. Renew my spirit and the vision of our churches to reach ALL your people unconditionally. Amen. Martha Stokes |