I didn’t know you like I should have
I knew you. But I didn’t. I knew the kids. Tried to make a difference in their lives. I tried to be there for their mom. I don’t think I did a very good job.
But you?
I didn’t bother getting to know you. And maybe I should have. I mean, that’s what Jesus said we should do – right? Love my neighbor? What would have happened if I had tried harder to show the love of Jesus in your life? Would it have made a difference? Would it have mattered?
What if I had figured out a way to get members of our church to be involved in your life? What if we had decided to actually be the church instead of just playing church? What if we had spent more time talking with people instead of about them? Would it have made a difference? Would it have mattered? Would it have stopped you from destroying so much?
I know I can’t dwell on “what-ifs.” And I certainly can’t ask you now.
I do know this, though: I could have been a better neighbor. I should have been a better neighbor. Would it have mattered in the end? I don’t know.
I know I can’t change what has happened. But I can change what I do today. I can choose to be love the people around me – even those who are different from me. I can choose to push back the darkness in the lives of people around me. I can choose to be a neighbor the way Jesus defines a neighbor.
I don’t want to miss any opportunities that God has placed before me. I don’t want to have a life full of asking “what if?” And if that means having a life that’s a little bit messy?
So be it.
The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.
Corrie Ten Boom
Latest posts by Matt Todd (see all)
- Recapping the NASA Social Europa Clipper launch event - October 18, 2024
- Greetings from (partly) sunny Space Coast, Florida - October 12, 2024
- I’m going to Kennedy Space Center to watch the Europa Clipper launch (hopefully) - October 5, 2024
I told my self I am calling I am calling … all day. I just wanted to hear you or Christys voice. I saved your number in my phone this morning when I got up so I had it at easy access to call. It was 1143pm before I knew it and looked at my phone again. I really don’t know if I am coming or going but i will get a call to the Todd family 🙂 Thank you for what you have said here and I wish with all my might he had known you and had Jesus in his heart. Maybe things would be different… .Im angry. I am calling… tomorrow <3
Today’s message at church today….exactly what I needed to hear. Don’t want to miss another opportunity…
(hopefully this link works so you can watch it)