The door might hit the baby, I gasped to myself. The young mother stood on the subway platform, trying to shift the big black pram into the carriage, but the wheel was stuck in the gap between the subway and the platform. How long until the automatic doors started to close?
Nobody else moved to help. In fact, nobody seemed to notice; every head around me was bent diligently over their cell phone.
I jumped up and hurried over to the door. Grasping the lower part of the pram, I lifted and wiggled the stubborn wheel out of the gap, as the plump-cheeked baby regarded me with sober curiosity.
The mother and I bowed to each other in silent acknowledgement, and then two elderly gentlemen got up at once, offering their seats to the mother so she could sit in the priority zone. I smiled to see it.
Public transportation seems to bring out both the kindest and the most selfish human behaviour.
I’ve watched people shove their way onto the train or bus, ignoring the etiquette to allow disembarking passengers off first. I’ve seen people sit in priority seats for the pregnant or elderly and ignore those who need them. I’ve heard people get into fights and spit mean words in the crush of rush hour.
Yet, I’ve also seen and experienced moments of thoughtfulness – grandmas who insist I should sit with them in the priority zone while there’s no one else who needs the seat, and gentlemen who offer me their space or let me sit in the next available spot instead of taking it themselves. I’ve seen strangers help each other pass heavy bags down off the bus. I’ve watched patient passengers distract crying babies with smiles and games.
In between these two extremes of kindness and selfishness, however, lies a lot of indifference. People are wrapped up in their own bubbles. It’s so very easy to do, honestly, and sometimes it feels like the safest option.
But that morning, as I helped the young mother, I thought about how I’d feel in her position, and I felt compelled afresh to be the kind of person who notices.
Think about a moment when you felt really seen. Isn’t it so meaningful?
“In everything, therefore, treat people in the same way you want them to treat you.”
(Matthew 7:12 NASB)
In a world where so many people seem to be fighting for themselves, it is a gift to be seen and helped on your way. This quiet act of love in a crowded, distracted world makes a difference.
I want to be a person who notices need and offers kindness in the chaos. How about you?
Until next time,
Lynette
P.S. Do you have a moment when someone saw your need and offered help? I’d love to hear about it.
A few personal moments, prayer requests, and things I’ve enjoyed from the past month.
“Jesus, Son of God” Study Guide
I wrote this study guide last year, and it was so exciting to see it published at last. Writing it, based on the themes in Ty Gibson’s beautiful book The Sonship of Christ: Exploring the Covenant Identity of God and Man, truly deepened my appreciation for God’s character of self-sacrificing love.
“This study guide explores the powerful truth behind one of Scripture’s most meaningful titles: Jesus, the Son of God. Through the unfolding story of the Bible, you’ll discover a God of unwavering love who steps into human history to restore what was broken.
Across eight chapters, you will trace the covenant story of Scripture and meet Jesus as the faithful Son who lived the life we could not live, loved with perfect integrity, and gave everything to bring us home. With space to reflect, pray, and respond, this journey will help you see Jesus – and yourself – with fresh eyes.
Take a pause. Step closer. And rediscover what it means to be a child of God.”
Jeju
Husband and I can’t resist a little trip to the lovely Korean island of Jeju! Although we’ve been several times before, there is more to see, and being in nature is so healing.
The Arrival of Spring
Winter in Korea is very brown! I’m always excited to see the arrival of blossoms on the trees. Right now, the pear trees and magnolia are blooming.
Prayer requests
I’ve been working on a book idea, and it’s not always easy to write in the margins of life. I find imposter syndrome and discouragement is always ready to breathe down my neck, too! I’d appreciate your prayers for my creative work and future decisions.
Thank you for being here!
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