Seeing and Seizing the Mission

During these days of chaos, rioting, uncertainty, and pandemic, it is refreshing to see people who choose to do the right thing, without fanfare or expecting anything in return.

Antonio Gwynn Jr. is a recent high school graduate from Buffalo, New York.  He has grown up participating in community services and mission opportunities with his church.  While watching the nightly news, he was distraught to see the damage that looters and protestors had made of a major intersection in his hometown.  He knew this section of road, at Bailey Avenue, would be a heavily traveled area the next morning.  Without calling friends, forming a committee, or broadcasting his intents, Gwynn gathered up tools, a broom, and bags and headed to the trashed area.  By streetlight, he started cleaning up the debris at 2:00 a.m. and worked for 10 straight hours. 

When the cleaning crew arrived early the next morning, they discovered that Antonio Gwynn Jr. had already cleared away and picked up most of the trash.  Word soon spread about what Antonio had done.  WKBW-TV interviewed him and aired the human-interest story.  Matt Block just happened to see the report.  He had a red 2004 Mustang that he decided to give to Gwynn.  Matt explained, “I couldn’t come to grips with selling it and this was a good way for me to get rid of it and know someone that gets it is going to appreciate it.”

Receiving the car had an extra measure of meaning to Antonio.  Gwynn’s mother, who died in 2018, had also driven a red Mustang.  A local insurance agent called to say he would like to cover the car insurance for a year.

Antonio had planned to attend a trade school in the fall, in hopes of saving up money to attend college.  Because of his good deed, he has now been offered a full scholarship to Madaille College.  When he found out the news, “I literally stopped, pulled over, and started crying.”  Even though he expected nothing in return for his efforts, people have appreciated and rewarded Antonio for his efforts.

May we, too, be willing to see and seize opportunities of service when they arise, as we put our faith in action.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.

James 1:22

Making it Better

Levi Smith’s family enjoys vacationing in North Carolina.  While there, they frequent a favorite donut shop.  In compliance with the health suggestions, Levi wore a mask into the shop to place his order.  As the owner started taking his requests, he slipped one side of the face mask off so that his order would be clearer to hear.  Levi was quickly reminded to put his mask on again.

In response, Smith told the owner that he would no longer be needing her donuts.  Taking a stand, he didn’t scream or yell at her, but looked her straight in the eyes and told her she was rude.  He then left the shop.

About 2 miles down the road, Levi said he felt the Holy Spirit convicting his heart.  He thought, “I stood for my personal belief while ignoring humility and grace.”  After turning the van around, Levi drove back to the donut shop, put his mask on, went up to the store owner, and said, “I am sorry.”  With other customers present, Levi apologized for his actions, asked for her forgiveness, and responded that he should have been more gracious and humble.  With a weary look, the lady explained how tough times had been due to the pandemic.  As a former nurse and small shop owner, she was worried, tired, and weary.  Levi realized that “She didn’t need a seasonal patriot.  She needed a gracious Christian.”

After purchasing donuts and returning to his van, Levi proceeded to explain to his children what he had done and why he needed to make it better.  He wanted his children to know that it is important to “set ourselves aside for the well being of others.” 

Levi concluded, “We will be back for more donuts this week.  I’ll be wearing my mask the whole time, making sure I am a blessing and not a bully.  And I didn’t have to give up a shred of freedom or dignity to do so.  This world needs humility, grace, and forgiveness.  It doesn’t need more casual Christians dying on their temporal hills.  It needs more Jesus-followers living out the gospel.  Yes, be a patriot.  But don’t let your personal beliefs drown out your faith and witness.”

In these days of uncertainty and quarantine, selfishness, self-importance, and impatience can creep in, if we are not on our guard.  May whatever we think, do, or say be with compassion, grace, and humility.  And with Jesus’ light shining through us, may we be blessings to all we encounter.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord. My Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14

For by grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:3

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4