This time of year finds many people helping others who need it. From Salvation Army bell ringers to needy Christmas gift organizers to food basket gatherers to used clothing sorters, all kinds of people around our great country seek to help others in all kinds of ways. Certainly the root inspiration for this kindness is our heavenly Father who gave His only Son to forgive the sins of the world. Helping others at Thanksgiving and Christmas is part of what makes our nation strong and our people good.
Americans show their goodness in many and various ways. Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit her first college home run in a game against Central Washington, but she nearly didn't get credit for it. As the ball sailed over the fence, Sarah rounded first base, and in her excitement, missed it! When she skidded to a stop to go back, she twisted her knee so badly, she couldn't even crawl back. By rule, unless she touched each base, she could not get credit for her home run.
Though the rules said she could not be assisted by her own teammates, Mallory Holtman, first baseman for the opposing team spoke up, "Would it be okay if WE helped her touch the bases?" After conferring, the umpires agreed. So long as her own teammates didn't help her, the opposing team could do so if they wished. So Mallory and another teammate made a "chair" with their arms, picked up Sarah, and carried her around the bases, helping her to touch each one. By the time they got her to home base, many from both teams were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sarah was awarded her first college home run.
When our fellow Christians stumble and fall, we need to follow the example of those ballplayers. We need to reach out, lift them up, and sometimes even carry our struggling neighbors along. Christmas is a wonderful time to "Minister [God's love] to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10) Whenever we help someone, we mirror the love of God for all people in Christ Jesus.
Who can you hold up, even carry, at this time of year?
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