Deeper Reflection
THE SAMARITAN WAS NOT JUST OUT FOR A JALAN-JALAN (Malay for a stroll). He was likely going somewhere on specific business. The next day, he told the innkeeper that he would leave but return later. We are not told to what extent he risked losing a client, maybe, or had less time to prepare for his meeting or whatever business engagement. We are also not told whether he might have subsequently struggled to find lodging in the place he was going to because he arrived late.But that is the reality of the uncertainty that we must accept when we change our plans to help the needy. For example, if we organise an event for migrant workers and some volunteers suddenly cancel their participation, it means that others must step up and step in to make sure that the migrant workers still receive adequate attention and the activities go on as planned. At other times, Steady Readers mentors might suddenly fall ill or be too tied up to come for the session, and other Steady Reader volunteers on stand-by must be activated to ensure that the kids still get their sessions. We have had New Life Community Services (NLCS) staff show up late at night at a hospital to help beneficiaries who suddenly needed medical help. Other NLCS teachers have gone out of their way, beyond their official job descriptions, to extend care for children who need help beyond what the curriculum prescribes. We can change our plans to still joyfully serve others when we remember that God truly holds our paths and such interruptions are fully within His control.