“…a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side…But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion” (Luke 10:31-33, ESV).

I watched a beautiful thing this month hidden within a tragic loss. The father of one of the fellows I am training was chronically ill. My fellow took time away from her training to take him on a trip to western Canada, a dream trip for him. His health deteriorated while they were gone. His illness progressed until yesterday, when his family handed him to God. My fellow has temporarily placed her training aside to care for her father and family. It was beautiful to watch her step off the pathway of her life goals to care for those who need her.

The Samaritan and my fellow did not just notice the need. They stopped their journeys and practiced active love.

I am such a driven human being. My goals are set; my switch is on; I’m always moving forward. The inertia from my driven nature makes it hard for me to stop my train and focus on important issues that develop as I am passing by. This goal-oriented approach to life accomplishes a great deal: many goals are reached; many projects completed; and much good is done.

But that’s not always best.

It’s good to move forward with our focus on important goals, but we must do so with well-trained peripheral vision and a sturdy brake. As we concentrate on the future, people whom God loves are reaching out and calling our names. It’s easy to ignore their needs and continue our forward movement, but sometimes we need to just stop the train and grasp a hand that is reaching for us. Such disruptions may slow or negate our progress toward the important, but they also allow us to accomplish the necessary for God’s kingdom.

People are necessary. Individuals are necessary. They are worth halting our progress, even when we are doing the important, even when the goals we are seeking will help others. God stepped off His train for three decades a couple of millennia ago because He thought we were important. Following His example is always a good thing. You should “…have the same mindset” toward one another that Christ Jesus had (Philippians 2:5-7).

Look around. Who needs you now? Is this a time you need to delay a goal of personal importance for someone who is reaching out?

Is there a friend whom you have meant to visit?

Is there a family member whom you pray for, but need to pray with?

Is there a neighbor you need to take to dinner and share the love of God?

Is there a clinic for the underserved that you need to fit into your schedule, finally?

Is there a colleague who is sad and needs more time than the passing “I’m sorry” takes?

Sometimes you’ve just got to stop the train, get off and do the thing God’s Spirit is drawing you toward.

Dear Father,

Please give me the drive and determination to complete all the goals you set before me, but help me to know the people you love are more important than the projects I complete.

Amen