Sharon and I were enjoying a few days on the beautiful shores of Orange Beach. We spent hours sitting under our umbrella, peacefully watching the waves roll in. Eventually, we decided to take a stroll down the coastline.
The foamy surf flowed up and caressed our feet as we walked along a path of seashells, seaweed and small marine life left on the damp sand. We passed sunbathers of all shapes and sizes along the way, but one in particular drew our attention.
It was a young man, maybe in his 20s, lying on his stomach a few feet from the water. What made him unusual was that there was no towel or blanket underneath him. His sunglasses were lying on the sand about five feet away from his head. One of his arms was pinned under his body. His face was beet red and turned sideways. His eyes were closed, and he didn’t move.
Showing concern
He didn’t look like your average sunbather. He looked like someone who had collapsed and fallen. Several other shore-walkers walked right past him, either uninterested or unwilling to get involved. I confess: I was of like mind. “Just keep walking and mind your own business.”
Sharon, the kinder and more caring member of this marriage, insisted on stopping to check if the man was all right.
“Just let him be,” I said. “What if he’s hurt?” she countered. “What if he’s had some sort of heart attack or stroke? Somebody’s got to care enough to find out.”
But why me? Why not some other bold beach-walker? I’m not the hero type. Finally, at her persistent urging, I cautiously approached the man.
“Are you OK, sir?”
Nothing.
“Sir, are you OK?”
Gratitude expressed
Suddenly, his eyes popped open and he sprang up on his forearms, scaring the lights out of us. After staring blankly a few seconds, regaining his senses, he gave us a groggy, “Yes, I’m fine.” Then his face brightened, and he added, “But I really appreciate you checking on me.”
Upon which he promptly plopped back down into the sand to resume his uncomfortable nap.
I walked away a bit embarrassed but thankful to have a godly wife who models the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” You never know when an opportunity for ministry will wash up at your feet. Don’t bury your faith in the sand!
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