Broken Glass

It's embarrassing when you blow it & everyone else knows it. There's the many stares & those thoughts written on peoples' faces: "I'm sure glad that wasn't me!"

I recently dropped an empty glass off a table in a crowded local restaurant. Time stood still as all heads turned in my direction & then to neighbors followed by whispers. Oh, that moment of painful silence! A rescue crew finally came- not one, but four employees arrived with cheerful smiles, brooms, & dustpans. Of course, all the commotion only seemed to add to the drama for onlooking spectators.

Still, I later thought about the four who happily competed to clean up my mess. I recalled the gracious way they spoke to me, their eagerness to serve me, the things they said: "Don't worry, Sir, this happens all the time. It's really no big deal! Is there anything we can get for you?"

God's people might take a cue from these restaurant workers. What if we actually did something helpful for those who really blow it & know it? What if, rather than simply joining the staring crowd in a chorus of public pity & whispers, rather than adding to their sense of shame, we graciously came to their side eager to love & serve? "Love covers [& helps clean up] a multitude of sins."