Stepping In

The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

Sitting in Mr. Milazzo’s class during my freshman year of high school, I grabbed the survey as it passed through the aisles. We were working on career development as part of our preparation for life after graduation, had taken aptitude tests, and had a folder filled with information. That day’s assignment was a survey that listed job options. Our task was to check off the ones we were interested in pursuing.

Though I usually took my studies seriously, I must have been feeling a little silly that day. Instead of checking off occupations I was interested in considering after graduation, I selected the box for “sheepherding.”

Days later, my heart sank when I realized that we would be job shadowing people in the local community for an entire school day based on our answers. Thankfully, some kind administrator—or possibly even my teacher—realized that I wasn’t serious about sheepherding and placed me in a local childcare center instead. Though I didn’t see myself pursuing a career with children, I did have fun playing with the kids that day.

Sometimes we need someone else to intervene for us when we don’t have the wisdom or maturity to decide on our own. And sometimes we need to be that person for others, stepping in when we know a friend is walking down a foolish path or is unable to advocate for themselves. I’m so grateful that someone realized I was being less than authentic in my survey answers and gently steered me in another direction.

God is pleased when we advocate for others—whether it’s in something small like my survey or something with more significant implications for society—and he sees our decisions to do what is right as more important than any other sacrifice. When we step in for someone, we not only show that we care for them, but we also echo the care that Jesus has for them. Though we will sometimes be the ones in need of a bit of guidance—as I was that long-ago day—we can show our gratitude to those who have assisted us by extending a helping hand to someone else in need.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

When have you helped someone? When has someone helped you? Thank God for both situations.