OK. I'm guilty. I'm guilty of being the guy who walks into a room, flips the switch and "bam!" I expect the lights to come on. I sit down at my computer, click "Internet Explorer," and "Whah-lah," I expect the world to open its portal to my laptop. I expect the air conditioner to keep me cool in the summer and the furnace to keep me warm in the winter. I'm spoiled, I know, but if you were honest, I bet you are too!
However, 10 days ago I learned the lesson of not taking these pleasures for granted. Most of Kentucky, where I live, along with several other states, were devastated by a huge ice storm. At one time in my fair state, over 500,000 people were reported "out of power." With temperatures in the teens and twenties most nights, the power outage has been life-threatening for many. My family and I were blessed, we were only without power for a couple of days, phone and Internet service was out for about a week. In the midst of the outage I began to notice some very important attributes about my fellow man.
I have noticed Utility company linemen, Phone company linemen, Road Department workers and Rescue employees working around the clock since that Monday night to restore power, heat, safe driving conditions and for some, survival. These brave men and women are facing harsh weather conditions and great fatigue. But that's not the worse thing they are facing. Unfortunately, hard times bring out the worst in some people. There have been many reports of rudeness and impatience from the folks who are struggling. They are taking out their frustrations on the very people trying to help them.
And yet, it is during these moments that we also see the very best in some people.
Many people are stepping up to the plate and reaching out to their friends and neighbors. I for one have been on the receiving end of the good in people during this disaster. My family never had to go cold during those couple of days we were without power. Why? Because one man brought us two loads of firewood for our fireplace and another brought a propane heater. Over the past few days I have personally witnessed people opening their doors to those in need and going out of their way to extend a helping hand. They have reminded me of the words of Our Lord Jesus who said; "Greater love has no one than this than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). The true measure of one's love for another is when they are willing to sacrifice themselves for them. I believe that we never show the love and character of Our Savior any clearer than when we sacrifice ourselves, go out of our way to "bless" someone else.
I have learned that if you want to bless someone, all you have to do is open your eyes. There are needs all around you. And when you extend a helping hand, give a smile, a handshake, write a card just to let someone know you were thinking of them, take fifteen minutes and go visit someone who is lonely or hurting and most importantly, share the good news of Salvation in Christ with someone far from God. When you sacrifice a little of yourself for others, you become; "Just Like Jesus."
