Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
When my youngest was little, we’d put his brother on the school bus and take our dog for a walk. I think some of my best talks with the boys have been strolling down the road. The words tend to flow more for boys while they are doing something. They’ll clam up face-to-face, but add physical activity and the grunts go away.
We’d have to get really quiet in some areas because of the T. rex that was in the woods. We’d have to move pretty quickly in others because of that log…I mean that alligator that was watching us. The woods on our road came alive with more than what was common to the area. Our wise old dog was willing to go with whatever we came up with. If we took off, he did to. If we had to creep down the road, he was in!
When we weren’t on a great adventure through the desserts, forests, or wherever our imagination took us, my youngest would beg for stories of a little boy named Bill. In the stories he had a side-kick…his dog. The little boy led an everyday life, but his good manners and helpfulness made him a hero. The situations he found himself in paralleled my youngest son’s life. When he helped someone out, they would thank Super-Bill, the hero, for making their day.
As an adult, we see heroes only if they make a huge sacrifice, putting their lives on the line. We are so very thankful for those type of heroes, but there is room for everyone to be a hero. The dictionary says it is a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities.
What is a hero in my book? The person who bought a meal for a homeless man is a hero. A child who befriends someone who is being picked on and stands up to a bully even though he is scared is a hero. A teacher who has faith in a student that has never seen support is a hero. A father who takes the time to teach and have quality moments with his son or daughter is a hero. A mother who never gives up and is the biggest cheerleader for her child is a hero. A husband who swoops in and helps out a tired wife is a hero. A person who helps an overwhelmed mother who has a crying child, a cart full of groceries, and who just dropped the keys to the car is a hero.
Be a hero like in the stories we used to tell. An everyday hero inspires others, encourages, and spreads kindness. They don’t realize the impact they have, yet they keep doing. They have humility and value others. They last.
