Encouragement
[Editor's Note: In looking at other articles written in 1992, I came across this one (April 19), which serves as an interesting complement to the preceding one. The reader will probably see the connection. It concerns my son Tim and a family that "adopted" him while he was a student at Freed-Hardeman. Barb and I had been on campus for a special program and worshipped in the area the next morning. Below is a portion of that article.]
Tim's adopted sister is a high school senior this year…. Her writing has won awards, but it's not primarily about that I wanted to call attention to—but rather her unselfishness.
Having known several teenagers (in addition to having been one), I don't think I'm being overly critical to say that they are often wrapped up in their own worlds and fairly unconscious of other things going on around them. So it is rare to find an individual willing to help someone else.
But Tim's adopted sister has volunteered to take care of a little girl during the worship hour. For several weeks now she has taken her after Bible class and been a friend and "big sister" to this little one. And, yes, she is adorable. She also suffers from cystic fibrosis. She behaves very well for one her age.
I asked Traci why she took it upon herself to take care of the little girl. She replied that it helped out the one who brought her because she has other small children to care for. How thoughtful to consider the needs of another.
Contrast this action with all the times that you've seen teenagers paying no attention to sermons they needed to hear; compare this attitude with those of young people who have wasted time writing notes, whispering, telling jokes, etc….
How the church needs those willing to share of themselves with others. Adults could even improve in this area, let alone young people. What a novelty—not to ask, "What can I get out of this?" but to ask and answer, "What can I give?"; "What do I have to offer to others?"
No one can browbeat us into adopting the right attitudes; guilt will produce results for only a limited time. Those who willingly give of themselves to benefit and bless others are motivated from within—and perhaps by the joys received from service.
In one sense goodness is its own reward. One of the ironies of the way God designed things is that those who behave unselfishly get great dividends. If "receiving" was the reason for serving, it probably wouldn't net anything; being blessed is the natural result of genuinely being a blessing to others.
If the reader has any doubts about the rewards of Christian service, read a teenager's poem about the little girl Rose, whom she has befriended. Note that some of our young people are not making headlines for unspeakable acts [omitted in this reprint, GWS]. Know that there is hope yet for a sullied world. And tell me, if you can, who has gained the most from this relationship?
"For Rose…"
Traci Smith (now Traci Sproul)
A small exquisite flower
Of healthy, vibrant hues
Crowned with reddened gold,
Colored with misty blue.
Growing there beside the path,
Bringing happy smiles
To travelers in passing
Along the weary miles.
So many lives are touched
By its youthful, sunny glow.
A shining light in saddened gloom
Allowing love to grow.
Fragile, lovely innocence
Sweet and young and mild;
A single perfect rose,
A single perfect child.