“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:16
2020 has truly been a difficult year. For Tim Gjorass, it has been an exceptionally challenging year. Tim is a high school teacher with 22 years of teaching experience. Sadly, he will not be returning to his classroom this year. Tim has been undergoing treatment for cancer for over a year now. Recently, the doctors told him that the treatments were not working. Tim elected to stop treatments and spend what time he had left with his family.
Tim had to tell his principal and co-workers why he would not be returning to the classroom. The news devastated the faculty at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When Tim and his family released the news on their social media, he began hearing from students that he had taught over the last two decades. All of the well-wishes and thoughtful memories really seemed to brighten their day.
When talking with one of his co-workers, Doug Rinken, Tim asked a favor. “Would you make sure my house gets painted, next summer? I probably won’t be here, but I would like you to paint it for my wife.” Doug was sad to hear this request from his friend and co-worker. However, he also did not want to wait for his friend to go before he did something kind.
It took a week to organize, but the following weekend, a large group of friends and co-workers showed up at Tim’s house. They had blue paint (Tim’s wife’s favorite color). The went to work painting the house, and more importantly, showing Tim how much he truly meant to everyone.
The next year will no doubt bring difficult times to the Gjorass family. However, each time they look at the beautiful new blue color on their home’s exterior they will be reminded that they are not alone in their journey. They will look back on this day when so many came together to bless their family.
Loving our neighbors is an intentional act. It is not an emotion, although it often brings about strong feelings. Loving our neighbor is a purposeful action that places the needs of others above our own. I am sure Doug Rinken and the many others who came to help paint that day had other things to do, but their intentional loving act will continue to make a difference long after the gloss on the blue paint fades.
Who needs your loving kindness today? How can you intentionally show love to a friend, a co-worker, a family member? Remember, we are called to love our neighbor, no exceptions.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
