Re: Stopping

An unexpected encounter.

If you’ve been reading my posts for any length of time, you will likely know that I have a practice of picking up stranded motorists. It’s a result of a conversation (a prayer) I had with my Savior a few years back. “If on this road between work and home, if someone is stranded and in need of help, I’ll stop.” Why? Because while I was at my worst, Jesus stopped and picked me up.

Without question, stopping comes at a cost. It has added time to my day. It has put more miles on the odometer. Stopping has resulted in an occasional unexpected financial expense, and sometimes the encounter brings with it a possible frustration or conflict. But regardless of the cost, the encounter always results in a blessing.

In the throes of living the stop and go life for stranded motorists, I wasn’t fully ready for the stop I made the other day.

While heading home for a quick bite of lunch, I cruised past a rather large, feathered critter. It was laying partially on the highway, having recently been struck by a vehicle. I drove past and had the conviction to turn around, so I pulled a u-ey.

As I drove up to the bird, I noticed that it was a red tailed hawk. I’ve admired these birds for years but never had an opportunity to behold one up-close.

It was beautiful. This bird had full movement of wings, but it wasn’t able to stand upright. Its legs showed signs of road rash and it undoubtedly just kissed the front end of a passing vehicle.

I put on some gloves and scooped the bird into my truck, called our local wildlife rehab facility and reported the incident. (NOTE: We are associate rehab caretakers of baby fawn deer and have helped orphan deer over the years, but this was our first time picking up a bird.)

The wildlife expert said that they would send someone over to retrieve the bird and administer care with the goal of releasing the hawk back into the wild, soon. And so the agent arrived, took the bird and all is progressing well.

As I reflect on this, I wanted to share some thoughts on this encounter and possibly encourage you to take some action of your own.

Reflection…

1. At some point in life, we have unexpected collisions. Sometimes those are with a vehicle, but far more frequently those come in the form of a relational breakdown with a host of emotional turmoil. Truth is, they tend to happen without warning and by surprise. That’s why they call them accidents.
2. Stopping is an option we must consider. Although we may not be equipped to provide ALL of the necessary aid, stopping is one thing we can all do to help assess the situation and call for the proper aid to take over.
3. Stopping will cost you. Whether you’re just stopping to assess or seeking to provide the necessary aid… there is a cost to be paid. Know that even before you pause.
4. Stopping is worth it. If we don’t stop, it’s quite possible we could see someone spin off the rails, throw in the towel, and perhaps embrace helplessness to their demise. Stopping might be the lifeline that they need the most.
5. Jesus stopped for us. It says in the New Testament that “while we were yet sinners, Jesus died for us.” (Rom 5:8) We didn’t have our stuff together. We didn’t turn over a new leaf. Our good didn’t outweigh our bad. Jesus loves us, so he stopped. He gave himself. For you. For me. Because he loves us!

If you choose to stop, you may not “benefit” from an outsider’s perspective. But, I promise you, God will do a work that he prepared in advance for you to participate in. He is inviting you to stop, to consider, to receive, and to be healed.

Look within the walls of your business. Take a peek within the rooms of your home. Keep your eyes open to those hustling across the parking lot. Observe the ones standing or sitting… in groups or even solo. And consider… should I stop right now?

They might be praying for you to say, “Hello. My name is ______. How are you doing?