by Luke 10:33-34. “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
Many years ago, we worked for a Christian institution that included evening meals for their employee’s families. Our designated “Dining Room” was in the library of the elementary school. Families were served buffet style and then we carried our meal trays to our table.
This particular summer, several renovations were going on inside the school including replacing the well-worn carpet in the Library. We were all so careful in managing our trays and our children to keep the new carpet clean and fresh. The cafeteria manager, although a sweet lady, was quite protective of the facilities and found few appropriate excuses for any messes–especially that summer! We sure did not want her eyes glaring at us!
Trays in hand, we carefully walked to our table. However, our 8-year-old son somehow tripped on the new carpet and went head first to the floor…WITH his tray of food that included gravy! I suppose he tried to catch himself on his elbows, trying to spare the food from landing on the carpet but it didn’t help! Somehow, he managed to flip his tray over his head, causing it to mostly land on his back but, alas, much also landed beside him…on the new carpet!
Now, don’t get me wrong! I love my son but still, I am not sure who was the most embarrassed! Of course, the children of other staff members in the room giggled but I could have crawled through the webbing of that new carpet! Then, something really special happened that I would never forget! Someone had compassion!
Most everyone in the room looked over at our catastrophe and I am sure they felt embarrassed for us. Then Marty, a mother managing her own children and trying to eat at another table, (and one I did not personally know except that we were acquaintances), got up from her meal, walked over, and down she went on her hands and knees to help us! Her service was well appreciated but what was special to me was that, immediately, I felt that cloak of embarrassment disappear! Her presence made everything alright! She was shouldering half of the embarrassment!
Every time I have read the account of the Good Samaritan, one specific thought always comes to mind. I am assuming this “certain man” was conscience and as he laid there, unable to care for himself and while many others were passing by, he must have been very embarrassed! Naked, hurt, possibly a little delirious from his injuries, he was at the mercy of others. Then, the Good Samaritan happened by! Someone to help shoulder his embarrassment and also to help him!
Marty, a wife, mother, and kindergarten teacher understood the meaning of compassion. Maybe because Marty taught kindergartners and was the mother of four young ones, herself, she had much experience in cleaning up messes! I don’t know. I do know that she helped me in my time of need and made an awkward situation not seem so awkward or embarrassing.
That whole dinner incident reminded me of the good Samaritan. Some people just walked by, others even crossed the street, but the good Samaritan gave of himself. He stopped what he was doing to help another. Someone had a need and he was there to assist them.
In retrospect, that calamity has been a constant reminder for me to help someone else. Maybe it is none of my business but when someone else has a fall, drops or bumps into something, knocks over a store display, or has any one of a million little “accidents”, I can always be there to give a hand and help absorb some of their embarrassment.
Let’s strive to be like Marty and like the Good Samaritan in 2022! Most all of us have busy lives and things to tend to but, let us not forget out service to others in need!
