|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Wednesday, March 3, 2004 My Old Catcher |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for
Wednesday, March 3, 2004, by Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Do you ever get magazines from your old alma mater? I periodically get
something from my college - sometimes it’s their quarterly magazine and sometimes
it is for some kind of appeal. I often leaf through them, especially the ones
that have information about class years.
The other day, the winter alumni magazine arrived and I scramble through and
take a quick glance at the 4 years that I attended. When I got to the class of
1990, I encountered an inspiring story. It was there that I saw John’s story.
John was the catcher on my baseball team. He was a terrific guy who was as
kind a person as I’ve ever met. The news in the magazine about John was not
about a job promotion or a new degree or anything like that. It simply read
that John donated one of his kidney’s to his younger brother. He shared with
joy that his brother is doing incredibly well after the transplant and is now
back to work. As a tack on at the end of the story, it is noted that John is
doing well and is very happy.
What made that story so special for me was that we always said John would “do
anything for you.” He had that nature about him of selfless giving in college.
Now, life circumstances called him to give even more for the sake of a loved
one. And he did.
I talked with John last fall. He found my email in an alumni listing and sent
me a note and he asked me for a simple favor. He asked me to pray for his
brother and for himself as they underwent this incredible life changing surgery.
As I look back, I simply am honored that I was asked to pray for him. We
prayed for him at Good Shepherd last fall, although I may be the only one who
remembers this.
What I take from this is that you and I need to pray for those who sacrifice and
give so freely of themselves in this life. It is an honor and privilege to be
included in their story in any way. As we hear their stories, they become seeds
planted in us - seeds that call us to give sacrificially and joyously for the
sake of others.
Thanks John. God bless you and your brother.
Lord God, we give you thanks for people in this world who give sacrificially for
the sake of others. Fill us with your Spirit and inspire us to reach out
without seeking reward in this life. Help us always to celebrate the life
giving sacrifice made by your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 |
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |