After coming off the high of an Easter weekend full of church celebrations and family get-togethers I was jolted back into the reality of so many people's pain and brokenness.
AN EXPERIENCE I WILL NEVER FORGET
Tuesday, April 19th had been a typical day of commuting to and from the studio in Burlington but quickly turned into an almost fatal encounter. As I was travelling eastbound on Highway 403, I was shocked to see a man hanging from the overpass about 250 meters ahead of me. Immediately I could tell that those trying to hang on to him were losing their grip and at any second the man would fall right onto the lane I was in.
Without hesitation, I made a decision to swerve in order to avoid hitting him, and within seconds the man plummeted to the ground. To be honest, I can't remember whether I saw him hit the ground in my rearview mirror or out the passenger-side window, but I know we were dangerously close. Thankfully the man survived and other vehicles were far enough behind the scene that they were able to slow traffic down to a stop.
Well, I managed to pull my car over and ran back to see the young man lying in the middle of the highway but kept my distance as the policemen who had been trying to prevent the fall were already attending to him. Without too much more detail, I met this young man's mother by the side of the road and she proceeded to explain that she had been trying to get him medical attention for his mental illness, but he had left the hospital on foot and this was the outcome.
A SECOND CHANCE
I took that opportunity to pray with this precious lady as her son lay on the asphalt convulsing due to the shock of the fall. I realized in an instant that God was with this young man and his mother in the middle of their chaos. Furthermore, his life was spared - he got a second chance. An opportunity to make a different choice - a choice to live.
A NEW BEGINNING
Springtime always seems to bring about the celebration of new beginnings. Whether it's new growth or the revival of that which was dormant through the winter months, we get excited about what is to come. I think it's important, however, to remember that not all things turn out the way we expect them to. For instance, this young man, whose illness he didn't choose, brought him to a place where letting go seemed like a better option. Or the desperate plea of his mother trying to get him help. I do not know how things will turn out for this young man or his mother, but I will continue to pray.
FOR YOU AND ME
For you, my hope is that you never have to experience this kind of trauma. For me, this tragic event was a sobering reminder of how much suffering is really out there, and I'd like to propose that we not be so quick to dismiss those in need. It's easy to turn a blind eye to the hurting around us because if we're not directly affected, we can pretend it's not there and that's not true.
It is the reality for so many people and we need to be willing to allow the tangible love of Jesus to flow through us, even if it makes us feel uncomfortable. Those beautiful flower gardens and lawns we envy? They don't happen without someone intentionally getting down in the dirt, planting seeds, pulling weeds, pruning and watering that which has been planted. Trust me, I'm preaching to myself, as I consider my own brother's battle with mental illness.
COME TO JESUS
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus' offer to exchange our burdens for His peace is an amazing deal. I know for me there are times when I need to take His yoke, but there are also times when I need to carry the burden of someone else because they simply can't. This is what Jesus modelled for us time and time again.
So, if you want to experience a profound sense of renewal and purpose in your walk with God, get down in the dirt - make yourself available to do something uncomfortable. It may be exactly what another person needs to experience the new life and healing found in Jesus.
Remember the Crossroads Prayer Lines are available for you 24/7 - 1-866-273-4444 | https://crossroads.ca/247prayer/
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