19/02/2024
Serving in the Shadows: by Kimberly Joy
Some time ago I had the opportunity to attend a regional student convention with the students from our Christian school. Throughout the week, students from several states competed in academic activities, sports, music, art, and dramatic productions.
During the week, one young man caught my attention. (I'll call him John.)
It seemed there was nothing John couldn't do. He excelled in sports, music, and drama. By the end of the week, he had won several medals.
But what most impressed me about John was something I spotted in the large auditorium where the dramas, speeches, and monologues were performed.
The students "on deck" to perform were required to wait off to the side of the platform, then walk over to the judges table. One of the event coordinators, a friendly lady with the ability to help ease pre-event jitters, would chat with the students as they stood waiting to be called by the judges.
A young man was up next to perform a persuasive speech, one of the more difficult categories. He stood against the wall, visibly nervous.
Unfortunately, Friendly Lady had been called away for several minutes, so he stood alone.
No one noticed.
Except John.
He slipped from his seat and made his way over to the uneasy young man. I was too far away to hear what John said, but his words immediately put the soon-to-be-performer at ease. The boys laughed and chatted until the judges called. John gave him a quick fist-bump, then rejoined the audience.
I know John went home with an armful of medals, and I'm sure his parents and school are very proud of him.
But I'll always remember his performance outside of the spotlight—off the court and off the platform— when he took the time to simply be a friend to someone in need.
It's important that we shine for Jesus while we're in the spotlight.
But how we serve Him in the shadows truly shows our heart.