Gò0dNews for Everyone
Sometimes Love Isn’t Convenient
M
by Kristen West
y daughter and I had to do a double-take.
emergency and had my life suddenly “backed up”
Did we just pass a body near the side of the
because of the interruption. My schedule was put on
road? Within a matter of seconds, I had
hold. My time frame was inconvenienced.
turned the car around. There, lying on the side of the
The truth is, loving our neighbor isn’t always
road with his head inches from the pavement, was
convenient. Helping that person in need doesn’t
a man. I parked my car and ran towards him while
always fit neatly into our daily planners. It wasn’t
my daughter immediately called 911. Traffic started
convenient for the Good Samaritan who adjusted
to back up, and our plans were abruptly put on pause. As I reached him, it was apparent that he was conscious and didn’t appear to be hurt. When I looked into his eyes, I knew immediately what the problem was. Alzheimer’s. The far-away, lost, and disconnected gaze quickly spoke volumes to me about how this man had probably wandered from his home, walked down the street, and fallen along the side of this busy road. Having spent countless hours with my mother, who battled this terrifying disease
his own journey in order to help a complete stranger
for a decade before passing away, I became all too
(Luke 10:30-35). It certainly wasn’t convenient for Jesus
familiar with the look, the mannerisms, and the
when He hung on a cross—bloodied and battered—to
consuming darkness of this sickness.
save us. Simply stated, love isn’t about convenience,
By this point, traffic had completely backed up
it’s about choices. Small, minute by minute, daily
in both directions. Tucked comfortably in their cars,
choices to do for others what we want and hope they
people grew impatient. Horns honked and tempers
would do for us (Luke 6:31). How might God be
flared as I walked this man across the road to get
calling you to love in an “inconvenient” way today?
arrive. I sympathized. There have been plenty of times when I’ve driven upon the scene of an accident or an
18 // March 2022
About The Author
him back to his home and wait for first responders to Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
