At what used to be the entrance to Moores Park years ago, there is a plaque that says, "Presented to the people of the City of Lansing, by J. Henry Moores, September 1908." Then underneath that it says, "I shall pass through this world but once. If therefore, there be any good thing I can do to any fellow human being, let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again."
Now I can't speak about how Mr. Moores felt when he wrote that quote, but when I read it, I feel a sense of nostalgia because it makes me think about how I am here right now in this moment, but tomorrow, this moment will only be a memory. With that being said, if I pass up any chance that I have right now to help a fellow human being, then I will never get that chance again. I might get one like it, or something similar to it, but that chance, that moment right there to be the hands of feet of Jesus to that specific person is gone.
This my friends is another reason on my list of 1,001 reasons why I love Moores Park, because when I see this sign, or even when I just look in that direction knowing it is there, I see it as another one of God's gentle reminders to be kind and to reach out to help others when I see them struggling. Now I know that this is not always easy to do for many reasons, but trust me when I say, if it is because a person is difficult, then they probably have a lot of pain. So, dig a little deeper, spend a little bit more time listening instead of reacting, and give them a little bit more grace. Love them like Jesus.
Prayer
Abba,
Your word in Romans 13:8 says, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."
Thank You for this reminder and the many others that you give to fulfill Your law by loving one another. Thank You for leading us to people that might need a friend or a listening ear, or maybe something more. Thank You for opportunities to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to others and thank You for helping us to take advantage of these opportunities instead of letting them pass us by.
Its in Your name that we pray,
Amen