The Interests of Others

Not long ago, I took my vehicle in for some routine maintenance.

I gave the crew my information and my key and went to the waiting room where it was cool.

A gentleman was already seated there when I took my seat.

A quick glance told me several things about him.

It is summer where I live and the outside temperature was hovering around 100 F.

I could tell by his tan that he worked outdoors.

By his physique I could tell that his work was physically demanding.

I also noticed that this man looked like he might be feeling ill.

I asked him if he was okay,

He confirmed that he was not feeling well.

Before I could ask him anything else, he began speaking to me as if he knew me.

He informed me that he had just gotten some bad news from his doctor about his heart.

He told me more.

He told me that he worked outdoors and the thought of working in the heat concerned him.

He wondered how many hours he would be able to work with his condition.

He told me he worried about providing for his family.

As if things were not difficult enough for the man he was about to get more bad news.

At this point, the mechanic who checked his vehicle came into the waiting room.

He told the man that he could not work on his vehicle and gave him several reasons.

The man was now distraught.

He informed the mechanic that he needed his vehicle to provide for his family.

The mechanic apologized.

He recommended another garage in town that might be able to help him.

By the way the mechanic said “might” I doubted they would be able to fix his vehicle.

As he left, I could not help but feel sorry for the man.

I prayed for him.

I prayed for his health.

I prayed that he would be able to provide for his family without additional damage to his heart.

I prayed that he would be able to find someone to fix his vehicle.

I continue to pray for him today.

It is not necessary to know someone to pray for them.

I do not know the man… but God does.

I do not know what exactly is wrong with his heart… but God does.

I do not know how he will provide for his family… but God does.

I do not know what he will do for transportation… but God does.

I know so very little about this man.

I do not even know his name.

Yet God knows everything about him.

Philippians 2:4-5 (NET) - Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,

Praying for others is important whether we know them or not.

The more I pray for this man and his interests, the smaller my interests become.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 14, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 21, 2017

Fear Not

The other day I had some work done on my car.

There was a great deal of work needed and I knew repairs would take the entire day.

Knowing this, I brought along both a book to read and a notebook in which I could write.

I am glad that I did.

There was a television in their waiting area but it was tuned into one of those 24 hour news channels.

The last thing I wanted was to be exposed to bad news all day long.

I found a seat in the lobby and alternated between reading and writing.

Although I could see the television from my seat I was far enough away that I could not hear it.

Every time I glanced at the television, I could tell from the graphics that the news anchors were talking about Ebola.

When I no longer felt like reading or writing, I gathered my things and went for a walk.

It was a beautiful day.

The sun was shining.

The birds were singing.

I almost hated to go back inside.

Eventually, I made my way back inside and glanced at the television before opening my book again.

Just as I had suspected, two different news anchors had come into the studio and were talking about the same thing.

I gladly returned to my book.

I certainly do not wish to minimize the severity or the risk of contracting Ebola.

I will certainly not deny that the first person to die of it in my country did so mere hours away.

As I glanced today's headlines, it became easy to see that the levels of fear and anxiety are continuing to rise.

This is most unfortunate.

That is why I am so glad to be a Christian.

Compassion and reason should never allow fear and anxiety to get the upper hand.

As time goes by we will learn more and better understand how this disease is transmitted.

As we do, we must take all necessary precautions in the treatment of its victims.

In the time that Jesus walked the earth a different disease brought about fear and anxiety.

That disease was leprosy.

Victims of this disease were greatly feared and treated as outcasts.

Jesus showed them love and compassion.

Jesus healed with a word or a touch.

Although it is not within our capacity to heal in this way, we can follow His example.

We must never allow fear and anxiety to push aside our love and compassion for those in need.

Psalm 23:4 (NET) – Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff reassure me.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com