May
8
2018
Don’t Forget To Show Love
Posted in Daily Living 2 Comments
You never know when something is going to catch you by surprise.
Something that just makes you smile because of its sheer innocence.
Something that you wish you could wrap in a box and give to everyone.
Something that you want to share simply because you know it will be a blessing.
A friend shared something that I happened to see early in the morning.
It seemed like something I would enjoy.
I was not prepared for how very much it touched my heart.
It encouraged me and challenged me.
Four-year-old Austin lives in Birmingham, Alabama.
After watching a TV show about panda bears.
In the show, a mother panda abandoned her baby.
Austin’s dad told him the bay panda was homeless.
Austin wanted his dad to explain what the word, homeless, meant.
His dad said that homeless meant that you don’t have a home.
It sometimes means that you don’t have a mom or dad around.
His dad knew what Austin’s next question would be.
Are people homeless?
This four-year-old took it upon himself to change that situation.
This four-year-old came up with a plan.
He talked to his mom and dad.
Austin wanted to use his allowance and any money that would be used on toys to help others.
With that money, Austin wanted to buy chicken sandwiches.
Austin wore a bright red cape and became a superhero.
This tiny superhero goes on the streets of Birmingham and feeds the homeless.
His dad goes with him but this is Austin’s work.
In his tiny four-year-old voice, Austin offers each person he meets a sandwich.
When asked why he does this, he answered with wisdom beyond his years.
It’s just the right thing to do, he says in a matter of fact tone.
When Austin hands the sandwiches to the people who he meets, he says the same thing.
Don’t forget to show love.
Many respond with love towards this little boy almost immediately.
Everyone says that Austin warms their heart.
When he was asked what his superhero name is, he did not miss a beat.
President Austin is his reply.
His dad said that this is his idea of what a president is supposed to do.
He walks up to people without judgment, without any agenda and just loves them.
He loves them simply.
He loves them purely.
He wants nothing from them.
He simply wants to help those who do not have a home feel a little more love that day.
As I watched Austin, I thought of Jesus.
Jesus came to save the lost.
Jesus came to preach about the Kingdom of God come near.
Before He taught the people about the Kingdom, He simply loved them and met their needs.
This little boy is doing something that many government agencies cannot do.
He is meeting needs, one person at a time.
He is using his money, his time, and his resources to meet people right where they are.
He is warming hearts in the process.
One man looked at Austin’s dad and said, This is where it starts.
How right he is.
Children learn what they live.
The man’s words reminded me of a poem on our refrigerator when my children were young.
I saw it every time I opened the refrigerator door.
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Copyright © 1972/1975 by Dorothy Law Nolte
(This is the author-approved short version.)
I looked at Austin in his blue t-shirt.
Across the front of the shirt, in bold letters, were the words, Show Love.
Seeing this precious little boy with his blue shirt and his red cape warmed my heart.
Austin challenged me.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34, 35)
We are known by our love.
We show how much we love Jesus by how much we love others.
We must love as Jesus loved.
We must love others as Jesus loves us.
That is a tall order.
For tiny, four-year-old Austin, it is possible.
Perhaps we can take Austin’s advice.
Don’t forget to show love.
https://www.facebook.com/CBSEveningNews/videos/10156510007254073/
Beautiful! What an example for all of us. His parents are special too.
Amen, Sue!
What a precious little boy!
Gina