Something great within us

Just when I thought that living in Chilliwack and surrounding myself with wonderful people couldn't get any better, I visit downtown Chilliwack and am reminded of the beautiful souls that fill this town. Upon a visit to downtown yesterday I saw a lady who was obviously a little down on her luck. She had dirty, baggy clothes on and was pushing a buggy filled with various items, including a large bag of plastic bottles and cans. I walked by her and did my best to make eye contact and smile at her, just as I would anyone else, only to have her avoid my eyes and shuffle past. I watched her cross the street and come face to face (well actually, face to cart) with a teenage girl, probably around 17 or 18. The lady's cart got stuck on the curb and instead of just walking right by, the girl stopped to help her. Even when the cart tipped over and the cans spilled all over the sidewalk, this girl made it clear that she wasn't going to run away or turn a blind eye. She knelt down beside the woman and helped her clean up every last can and bottle. While I stood across the street and watched, my eyes filled with tears and I realized that this single action of the girl, which probably didn't have any significance to her, could possibly be a life changing experience for the woman. Perhaps she's dealt with criticism, hatred or judgement before. Maybe she's had a tough life filled with negative experiences. But this single act of love was enough to make this woman smile and say thank you to the girl.

Have you ever had a single act of love change who you are? Have you ever had that one defining moment where you can look back and know that was the moment that changed your life forever? I have. And it came when I realized for the first time that Jesus died on the cross for ME. To take away my sins. That He wanted to have a personal relationship with me, one where I could come to Him with anything and everything and know that I wouldn't be judged or ridiculed.

I encourage you today to read John 3:14-21. Don't just stop at John 3:16. Read all the verses through and realize the reason that Jesus was sent to this earth. Not to condemn or to judge. But to be THE light of the world.