When Julia first created this little video, I was delighted by the whimsical mice and happy to know that some of those hours she was spending in front of a computer screen involved more creativity than video games! I was curious when Roxy Clum commented to Julia at church that watching it had really made her think about the parable. What is there to really be thoughtful about when watching clay mice act out a parable I know so very well, I wondered. So I watched it again, with my ‘Roxy’ hat on.
Click Here to Watch Julia's Video
A couple of thoughts:
I am often like the second, fancy mouse that came by. Those needy people on my path that are beaten up by life situations, robbed of dignity or hope, frankly they are the last people I want to see on an otherwise perfectly pleasant day. So, I cover them up. Pulling the yellow piece of paper over the victim did not make him less needy, but at least Fancy Mouse didn’t have to look at that mess anymore. I can relate.
Thankfully, there are the times when I do reach out and help. It is gratifying to know that this is what Jesus would do and there is often real, personal joy in helping others. If I am honest with myself though, when I risk time or money or personal safety or convenience to be a Good Samaritan I would really like a little acknowledgment for my trouble. The hospital where Albino Mouse dropped off his battered friend for care took his money but made it clear that Albino, himself, was not welcome there. Often there is no heartfelt gratitude, or even recognition for stepping into a situation where help is needed. That’s a problem if it was my motivation for helping in the first place.
Jesus wants my heart of love for people around me to be my motivation. While my own efforts have a tendency towards lining up ‘perfectly pleasant days’, He desires to bless me by growing my capacity to love others. Sometimes this growth is on a road with needy people when no one is watching.
Shannon Wittenberg
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