...slow down
There are a lot of people that I love, who are angry
There are a lot of people that I love, who are hurting
There are a lot of people that I love, who are speechless
There are a number of people that I love, who don’t get it
There perhaps are even a few people that I love, who may not care…
A somewhat rhetorical question was once asked of a wise teacher, “How does one achieve eternal success?”
The wise teacher replied by asking a question and it was understood that “Eternal success is promised to those who love God and love their Neighbor”
The man, feeling the need to justify himself to the teacher, then proudly goes on to say (and I’m paraphrasing) “I completely understand the Love God part, in fact I believe I do a pretty good job of loving people, but just so I know, can you clarify Who is my Neighbor?”
The wise teacher then provided an illustration which featured; the horrific act of [robbery], the callous act of [busyness] and the redeeming action of inconveniencing oneself to provide [care]
[Who then is your neighbor?]
A: The ones who are abused, attacked, victimized and often bleeding by the roadside of modern-day inequality. The ones who are just waiting for someone with the compassion to “slow down” enough to care.... and help them breathe the "air of freedom" that every boy, girl, man and woman deserves.
“Blessed are those who slow down, for their hearts and their eternal promises shall be sped up”
[Final thoughts]
1. Be careful that the wisdom we supposedly seek… is not only to justify our personal preferences (or prejudices)
2. We are in a moment in time, where life is allowing us to slow down. We aren’t having to rush TO our jobs… rush TO our churches, rush to our conferences or RUSH to our preferences. Don’t rush past your neighbors
3. Be cautious of the callous act of "Busyness"
4. Slow DOWN and Make Time. Be the neighbor, not simply towards your preferences, but lovingly towards the hurting