Dear Faith Family, 

So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion, (Luke 10:32-33). 

It’s been years ago now.  Traffic thick as thieves impatiently making a beeline for the highway out of downtown on Huger (That’s pronounced “u.g.”  Who would have thunk it?!) Street.  The white knuckles on the steering wheels complimented the red faces behind the wheels. 

Seems there was some obstacle in the road up ahead that further exacerbated the already frustrated drivers.  People were dodging something.  Tension seemed to rule the moment.  And then a pickup truck came to a complete stop in the heat of the moment!  Door flew open.  Driver hopped out.  Are you kidding me right now?!  Right here?!  Talk about throwing gas on a fire! 

What was this guy doing and what was he thinking?  Traffic inched forward and then it all made sense.  There in the middle of the road was a wounded puppy, probably hit by a car.  Apparently the driver of the pickup truck was the only person in all that traffic without something better to do?  He had the audacity to scoop up that puppy, carry it in his arms back to his truck, and drive off with it! 

So, it got me to thinking.  Two thoughts.  One.  God drives a pickup truck.  Well, ok, not really.  But the point is that we were that puppy in the road (Theologically we weren’t just wounded.  Read Ephesians 2:1.) and God had the audacity to scoop us up and carry us in His arms.  Don’t rush on to the second thought.  Stop here and think about it.  Contemplate the caring God we get to call “Father”. 

Two.  We get to drive a pickup.  In other words, we get to help the people around us.  That is, unless we’re too busy or we have more important things to do or we’re unwilling to risk our own comfort or we’re just not feeling it today.  Maybe we can have lunch and start an excuse swap? 

Back to thought two.  Who has God placed in the road in your way?  Is he or she just an obstacle to be avoided?  Or is he / she an opportunity?  How can you be the loving arms of a caring God for that wounded person?  A text?  A call?  A face to face?  A card?  A smile?  An act of kindness?  An offer to help with _________?  Go ahead.  Hit the brakes.  Open the door….  

Because He cares, 
Pastor Karl