The world is full of surprises, and sometimes, the hand of God is visible in the most mundane moments. Such was the case during a children’s baseball game in Jacksonville, Florida. An umpire, stationed on the field, exhibited a swift and selfless act of kindness that resonates with the teachings of Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”
The incident unfolded during a regular play. A coach was about to throw a pitch, with an opposing team player and a catcher in position. Suddenly, a dust devil, a small whirlwind of dust, appeared out of nowhere at home plate. The batter, missing the swing, walked off casually, but the 7-year-old catcher found himself caught in the middle of the swirling dust. Without a moment’s hesitation, the umpire, standing to the left, rushed in, picked up the young catcher, and removed him from the dust cloud.
A few moments later, everything was back to normal, and the game could resume. Yet, the umpire’s act of kindness did not go unnoticed. A man, presumably a coach from one of the teams, walked onto the field to congratulate the young umpire. With a high-five and a hearty pat on the back, he acknowledged the umpire’s kind and selfless act.
In a world where negativity often overshadows acts of kindness, it is refreshing to witness such a heartwarming moment. It reminds us of the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where Jesus teaches us about the importance of showing kindness to others, regardless of who they are. The umpire’s actions during the game serve as a real-world example of the compassion and selflessness that Jesus calls us to exhibit in our daily lives.
Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on someone’s life. The ripple effects of the umpire’s deed may inspire others to act with kindness and compassion in their interactions with others. As Christians, we are called to “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:39), and this incident is a testament to the power of acting with love and kindness towards others.
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