Turtle 9-1-1 -- August 17

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130
Judges 18:16-31; Acts 8:14-25; John 6:1-15 

Yesterday, there was a police officer stopped in my neighborhood, about six houses from our house. The officer’s vehicle was running and his blue lights were on. He was blocking one lane of a road that drivers habitually speed up and down. Standing on the passenger side of his car, he was examining something on the asphalt.

On foot and finishing a jog, I drew closer and realized it was a turtle. Its shell was patterned with the colors of coffee and wheat, probably five inches wide and seven inches long. The tall man crouched down, casting a shadow over the creature. He poured water in the cap of a water bottle, placing it in front of the turtle. He watched and waited.

I offered greeting, as I was walking by. The officer, patient and composed, said he was trying figure out which way the little turtle wanted to go, so that he could set it on its way safely. As we spoke, a car was driving up the road. It stopped behind the police car, before carefully going around. The turtle moved – surprising quickly – toward the shade under the officer. That reptile found safety with the kind and attentive Hoover police officer.

I did not linger to see where the turtle ended up or the officer’s role in that movement. I went home and got ready for work. This morning, the continued story of apostles John and Peter in Acts 8 reminds me of the “turtle 9-1-1” scene. Much like Officer Wiggins, the apostles knew their job – to bring peace, protection, and healing to those in need. They were attuned to the vulnerable ones around them. In Peter and John’s context, it was sharing the Good News with the people of Samaria. The apostles prayed for the Samaritans and laid hands on them, so that they could receive the Holy Spirit. John and Peter wielded this power from God in a discerning, responsible manner. When Simon Magus wanted to capitalize on this apostolic gift to use it for parlor tricks and swindling people out of money, Peter was quick to shut him down. The work of those following Jesus’ directions was to glorify God through sharing the hope and renewal offered in believing the word of God.

Let us pray for one another. Let us ask God to help us open our eyes to the need around us. And, let us use our God-given gifts to spread kindness, hope, and inspiration to those around us.

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection: 

What does seeing a helper in action remind you of?

Who is easy to help? Who is hard to help?

Daily Challenge: 

Pray today for God to open your heart and fill you with the courage you need to offer help and encouragement to someone around you. Then, pause and reflect: where do you need help today?