We have this motto that floats around our church called "For the One!" Whether it's an unexpected walk-in that needs a hug, a random email pleading for assistance or an arbitrary phone call asking for basic necessities, our goal is to treat each and every person with respect, dignity and love. In fact, we see each person that comes our way as a special gift - a special gift sent to us for the sole purpose of being cared for! We are also intentional in seeking out the One within our Oikos (a fancy Greek word that simply means your sphere of influence); a strategic passion to simply love and honor those we live life with: at home, at work, at the gym - you know, where we exist. It is in this journey of "For the One!" that we have discovered fulfillment and purpose.
As I've shared, Friday's have become a cherished day of my work week - a day to hang out with the Morro Bay Police Department and a day to glean insight on life issues from my cop buddy Richard. Lately, we have had an ongoing discussion on the highs and lows of helping the down-n-out; both the thrill we have when one we've helped turns their life around for the good and the radical disappointment we experience when one we've poured our heart into fails. In my short two years as a Chaplain, riding along on Friday's with Richard, we've had our share of blessings and, yes our share of dog-gone it, that knucklehead stabbed us in the back scenarios. You see, in between police calls, we will by design look for people to help. First, to give the MBPD a great reputation (which it totally has) and second, because it is fun and rewarding to assist people in their time of need; especially when they get that tear in their eye that says, "Thank You!" At the end of each shift, we recall the 3 or 4 folks we were able to help and hope our small gesture of aid will make life better for them. And, we've both come to the conclusion that we will continue to help anyone who comes our way, regardless of the outcome, with a spirit of "For the One!"
I'm reminded of a "For the One!" experience I recently had. For over 21 years, my family & I lived in a town called Temecula. For 5 of those years, we had a neighbor that was trapped in the bondage of alcoholism; my friend was belligerent, cantankerous and downright nasty. Hours upon hours, we would argue religion, politics, sports - most of it guy talk, some of it life talk. Don't get me wrong, I really loved Bruce and cared deeply for him and his family; my heart just simply hurt as I watched his life spiraling out of control that eventually cost him his wife, children, career and almost his life. My last conversation with Bruce was well over three years ago. I received a phone call at 3:00am from my friend - it was an urgent call, a call pleading for help. He had come to the end of his self and was ready to throw in the towel. I remember sitting in a hotel room here on the Central Coast, on the edge of my bed pleading with Bruce that there was more to life, that his life could be turned around and, to give his Creator a chance to redeem his terrible existence. Bruce eventually hung the phone up; I laid there on my bed next to my wife and said a prayer.
Over three years later, I received a Facebook friend request from Bruce; I was amazed that he was still alive and, that he actually wanted to reconnect. I accepted the request and within a minute, I received the following message from Bruce, "Wow! I can't believe I found you my dear friend. So much to say, I don't even know where to start. We need to talk or chat and catch up. First off Randy, not a drop of alcohol since Sept. 2, 2008! Sober 3 yrs now." Bruce went on to inform me he is graduating from college with a degree in substance abuse counseling, is involved in a church down south mentoring high school students and is so, so content with life! Needless to say, my heart was flooded with hope and warm feelings. You see, so many of the folks we come in contact with will, by human nature, not adhere to our well meaning instruction and advice - the disappointment, quite frankly, can be overwhelming. However, from time to time, a Bruce will resurface in our lives and make every effort you invested worth it. Often, I recall a statement from my favorite Rabbi, Richard calls Him my 2,000 year old buddy, that says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!"
My encouragement, advice if you will, is to continue to fight the good fight, be intentional in your random acts of kindness. Treat each person as your special gift sent your way to be loved on and cared for; seek out to help those who struggle, those who need a helping hand and do so with a heart of "For the One!" You never know who you will impact for the good and the privilege is yours, regardless of the outcome. And, from time to time, you will have your life blessed with the good news that the One has turned their life around simply because you, yes you, took the time to care!
