Stop and Look

Driving to church this morning, we could see several police cars with their lights flashing. I could tell it was right in front of a bank. Maybe there had been a robbery! Maybe there was danger!! As we approached, we could tell that yes, there were indeed two police cars blocking two lanes of traffic on Broadway and we could see police officers walking hurriedly. Yes, a bank robbery!! But as we got even closer we could tell there was something lying in the road ahead of the police cars. As we drew parallel with the mass on the road, one of the police officers approached the dark body with his hand outstretched, and then you could see a hopeful head lift up and a grateful tail start to wag. That was the parting image, but it is still just as clear as it was this morning. We don't know the end of the story, but I did find it ironic that the building representing money and power stood forgotten as a bystander to the poor one on the street.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, Help us to stop our routines, our busy lives, to look around and see those around us hurting and in need of an outstretched hand. God of forgiveness, we know that there are times we give an animal more sympathy and attention than we give our fellow brothers and sisters. Help us to stop in our tracks, and with a sense of urgency, affect others to stop and recognize those who don't have a voice or who don't have the power to help themselves. Give us the wisdom to know the best way to help heal their wounds, to give them a voice, and to regain their dignity. Help us set aside the attraction for wealth, thrills, and distractions and instead center our attention towards those in need, draw our satisfaction from the smallest blessings, and focus our vision on the next, right thing to do. Amen