I’m Glad You Happened to Me

"... love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

I opened one eye and looked at the clock. The next moment I leapt from the bed and yelled to Karen, "Get up, fast. I overslept and you’ll be late to class. Move it!"

She in turn jumped from her bed, tripped over her blanket, and stubbed her toe on the bed frame. Jumping around on one foot as she hollered, she banged into the dresser and hit her crazy bone. In tears, she wailed, "Why does everything happen to me?"

I tried to soothe and hurry her at the same time. Fifteen frantic minutes later we were in the car. I handed her a granola bar and a cup of juice, gave her hair a quick brushing, and started the engine. We pulled into the school driveway just as the bell rang, and Karen leaned over and gave me a hug. "Mom, I’m glad you happened to me, too."

What a surprise gift, after such a morning! None of us can prevent the daily traumas of life, but when our families, our neighbors, and our friends go through them, the best gift we can give them is our caring. Beyond caring, let us give practical, loving assistance. In that way they, also, will be glad we happened to them.

Beyond the Door
1. To whom would you like to say today, "I’m glad you happened to me"? Just do it.

2. Is there someone in your life right now who needs that "practical assistance" the author speaks of? Try giving such practical assistance when the appropriate time comes. Or make the appropriate time.

3. Our Creator is forever showing and telling us how thankful God is that "we happened to God." Think about it. What is the latest sign from God that you are loved?

4. Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by a "surprise gift" from a child and could only give thanks? How blessed you are!