HAVE YOU EVER JUMPED IN?

YESTERDAY IT WAS eighty-two degrees, but earlier than that my husband took Tina to Como Park for her daily run. And I do mean run! She’s a Terrier mix, full of energy, joy, love and fun!

As they were out and about Duane heard a child’s cry. He found a boy of about three standing. Even though it didn’t seem terribly urgent, Duane approached his mother and told her he was an emergency room nurse. Offering assistance he lovingly inspected the child. It was his finger.

The steps Duane took were very professional. Predominantly, as a man of God his first concern and care was love. Respecting the authority of the boy’s mother, he identified himself and offered assistance…

Beloved, there are many professional people and people with a myriad of vocations who step in and help…

What’s the motivation though?

As Duane and Tina came home, he told me the story.

This little boy was hurt, crying, and of course, he must have been scared. Pain is horrible and for a small child who had been having a good time at the park, his playtime could have been ruined for that entire day. He could have stopped playing, come home, having a terrible memory of the hurt. The park is supposed to be all about fun and that is the memory every good mother wants her child to bring home.

Selah.

But what happened?

A strange man stepped in and comforted him. And this comfort did not take place in the physical alone. God orders the steps of a good man: and that is what my husband is.

The first and wise thing Duane did was to identity to the boy’s mom who he was and what his qualifications are. They are impressive: emergency room nurse. Certainly God does not call everyone to handle blood, severe accidents, overdoses, and deaths on a regular basis. And not everyone has enough faith to receive the divine protection God has assured us we have a right to. In fact, even most Christians don’t have that faith twenty-four/seven. Sad and true.

Selah.

This lady was willing to receive help from a stranger, a man. I thank God for every person who is not willing to social distance in a manner God would never approve of, nor should His children.

After the lady gave permission for my husband to examine, and yes, even touch this precious little gift from God, he lovingly did everything necessary to confirm to himself, the mother, and this child – all is well.

Selah.

Duane’s training showed this boy was favoring his hand. No skinned knees, no gashes on his forehead, no seizures: thank God! It was only his finger. Still: fingers are valuable and we don’t want permanent damage on them. Even a finger can have severe damage, hurt intensely, and may need stiches or surgery. Because of this, Duane asked the boy to wiggle his fingers. Naturally, all of us would think of that most likely. To delve deeper into the answers though, he also had the boy “Show me your muscles!” Boys love that! I wasn’t there, but I have no doubt, this child was more than excited to show my husband his strong arms and muscles. I can see it in my mind! Like Superman, he must have raised his arms equal to his shoulders, made strong, impressive fists, and smiled! Tears gone!

It brings a tear to my eyes that my husband once again was available, willing, and deeply wanting to stop the tears of a hurt, innocent boy…

We give all glory to God for the love, wisdom, and knowledge Duane and all other nurses give to strangers: some who threaten to hurt them, some who can’t understand English, some who are mentally unable to respond. It is a gift from God to love all these people, wanting them to prosper and be in health…
even if you never see them again.

So how does this story end?

Duane asked for a High Five! Again, assuring this child was not in need of a doctor’s visit. How do you think his mom felt?

Does this qualify Duane for loving his neighbor?