IT’S THE CONDITION OF THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS

“It is not what you get out of life that counts. It is what you give and what is given from the heart.” (Sargent Shirver Quoter)

Everyday this certain man would see a fellow walking up and down the same street during the hot summer months daily. It is estimated that this fellow trekked two miles a day; trampling one mile south of his starting point and one mile back. The certain man not only saw him this year, but he had seen him walking the same path under the hot seasonal sun for at least four years. The walker seemed to be in good shape as he marched steadily as if he was trying to match step after step with the cadence made by a silent drummer.

The certain man usually just looked and never stopped. But one day, the certain man must have listened to the urging of the Holy Spirit to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Or perhaps, being a Christian, he was moved to become a vehicle of help for this man who had no jug or bottle of water. Yes, perhaps he was moved to show that the Lord will literally give you water when you are thirsty, someway and somehow. He definitely had some heart regulating done on him by the Lord, for he was motivated from what was inside him. You’ll understand what I mean if you keep reading.

So, as this certain man came near to the walking path of the dedicated walker, he stopped at the drive-thru lane of a nearby fast-food restaurant and asked for a large cup of water, halfway filled with ice. He was willing to pay, but the cashier at the window said, “No charge.” He pulls out and turns down the street where he anticipated seeing the walker, walking his daily, regular path. The certain man pulls over and gets out of his car. Interrupting the walker’s pace, he handed him the large, ice and water filled cup and said, “I have noticed you walking year after year in the summer months. I recognize your dedication to walk regardless of the heat which keeps many of us from even walking a few steps to our mailbox.” The certain man goes on to say, “This must really be doing you some good in terms of weight loss.” The walker, accepts the water, takes a sip, expresses his gratitude and starts to resume his persistent pace on his regular path. After taking a few steps, he stops suddenly and turns around to tell the certain man something before he gets back in his car, something enlightening from both a physical and a spiritual perspective. He says to the certain man, “I probably still look the same outside. I have not lost much weight. However, it is what’s on the inside that counts. My heart is in good shape.” After sharing those words, he resumed his walk again. He was probably thinking how stopping would interfere with him reaching his goal. Hmmm! That’s another lesson with physical and spiritual implications.

How did this story impact you? Well, if by chance your response is, “Not at all,” look at the words taken from scripture in the closing verse. Have a good day, my friend. Be blessed!

“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7b English Standard Version)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King