I enjoy how the Nightly News with David Muir always ends with a positive story.  I know I have mentioned in several of my blogs how the media tends to focus on doom and gloom.  I don’t always watch the news because of that, but I do try to catch the end of this broadcast and seeing something positive is a treat. I appreciate that one little bit of joy it brings.

While watching one night earlier this fall I happened to catch a news clip of a farmer in North Dakota who had suffered a heart attack right before he was to harvest his fields.  He was unable to gather his yearly crop as a result, resulting in no income for the year.  The story focused on how his neighbors stepped up and brought in his harvest for him, no questions ask, nothing expected in return but knowing it was the right thing to do to help their friend, their neighbor and their fellow man in his time of need.

While this was a lovely gesture and much appreciated by the farmer and his family, I couldn’t help but ask myself why this was making national news.  This is the life in which I was raised.  I witnessed this type of occurrence countless times while I was growing up and have heard about it happening numerous times since I have moved away.  People in my community were great neighbors and always willing to help their fellow man when in need.  It wasn’t news worthy.  It was just the normal, everyday behavior of good people practicing the word of the Lord found in Hebrews 4:16.  It reads, Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I was delighted this type of behavior was being featured for the world to see. At the same time, it was odd to me these good deeds seemed to be extraordinary and needed to be show cased for the rest of the world to see.  When did being a giving and kind person become so exceptional that it would make the national news? 

Upon further contemplation, I chose to be less cynical and focus on the positive aspect of the story as I believe was the intent.  It was an example of what we could and should be doing to help our neighbors and an excellent account of the extent people will go to be there in another’s time of need.  It also reminded me God loves us unconditionally and shows us this loving kindness every day of our lives.

Patty

Reposted from October 2020