Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Volunteer (11/23/06)
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TITLE: The Missing Link | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Schnepp
11/25/06 -
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Finally a third man comes by, and although he is of a different race and sect than the victim (in fact, an arch enemy), he stops, gives the man a drink, binds up his wounds and takes him to the nearest Inn. The rescuer gives the Innkeeper money to take care of the man's lodging and medical expenses; with instructions that he will be back to check on him and pay any other costs that accrued in his absence. I'm sure you recognize Jesus's parable, (The story of The Good Samaritan in Luke, chapter 10).
I love that story. The unnamed Samaritan is what I call a Volunteer with a capital "V". It also whispers...NO, it Shouts to me about a problem I have been wrestling with all my life.
There's definitely something wrong with me. I don't know what it is or what to do about it. All I know is that there's something vitally important missing or lacking in my make up.
This is not mascara, lipstick or eye shadow type Make-Up - I'm talking about characteristic type make up; that certain something inside of a person that makes them tick, gives them their own unique individualistic personality.
This problematic flaw consists of: A) being a coward; B) selfish; C) overly lazy. or D) all of the above.
I never gave it much thought until today. Today I heard somebody talking about how they volunteered to be a guinea pig for science by taking a new type of pill to help medical research cure a certain disease.
It suddenly dawned on me that I had never volunteered for anything in my life that I can recall. Oh sure, I volunteered to pass out papers for the teacher, to mail somebody's letter or take a message to somebody - but nothing of importance like an earthshattering contribution to God or mankind.
I've been a child, daughter, mother, aunt, sister and grandmother - but never a VOLUNTEER; I've done auditing, transcribing, underwriting, payrolling, and laying down the law - but never a VOLUNTEER. Something is definitely lacking in my character.
I don't march for causes, don't picket, boycott or sign petitions. That definitely chalks me up as disinterested in my fellow earthling's problems, right?
As for the story of the Good Samaritan, I'd probably be one of those two that walked away with excuses like - "Don't want to get involved", or "Weak stomach at the sight of blood", or "In a big hurry to get where I'm going", or to tell it like it really is....I'm basically a coward, too lazy, or just plain selfish.
My admiration for people who do Volunteer to help the lost, the poor, the sick, the addict, the alcoholic, and the prisoner is sincere...and that is why I know something's amiss when it comes to the make up of my character. Something vital is missing. I'm taking but not giving.
Pardon me for cutting this short - but I've just realized I've got some serious knee-bending to do. I've got to talk this problem over with my Heavenly Father. Only He can plug up the holes, fill in the gaps and find the missing link that will make me whole...for He is my Creator.
Even His daisy, as long as it lasts, volunteers to cast it's shadow in order to shade the lingering dewdrop from the sun.
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