“Good intentions” a strange phrase because there is usually nothing good about them.
Take Annie and Lucy for example. They were only acquaintances, not close friends at all. But when Annie got sick, Lucy
felt she should do something to help out. After all, Annie didn’t seem to have much family around and she lived alone. Lucy
visited the hospital once and thought that would ease the nagging reminders that plagued her concerning Annie.
Then the illness lingered, and Annie was released from the hospital. Lucy’s convictions also hung around. Why, she didn’t
know. The two women had no real relationship, Lucy reasoned. Besides, Lucy was busy doing lots of good things. And
when she was out running errands, even though she went right by Annie’s neighborhood, Lucy wasn’t sure about the address,
so better not to stop than to embarrass herself by going to the wrong house.
Time passed and days were consumed. Still Annie was positioned in the back of Lucy’s mind, always with an admonishment
to act. Then Annie was hospitalized again. The outlook was grim. But, surely there was time for Lucy to have one more
chance to follow the urging of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture urges us not to tire of well doing and walk worthy of our calling. Lucy was a good person—just a harried one who
was caught up in her own life and its day to day happenings—much like we all are. Nothing wrong with that until it blocks out
the directions God would have us take. Basically we really intend to get around to doing what we should, as soon as we take
care of our own schedules.
Lucy certainly thought about doing what was right, she just didn’t follow through. A second chance? Lucy didn’t get one.
Annie died four days later.
May we start the new year with a resolve to hear God’s call and obey. Nothing matters more.
Take Annie and Lucy for example. They were only acquaintances, not close friends at all. But when Annie got sick, Lucy
felt she should do something to help out. After all, Annie didn’t seem to have much family around and she lived alone. Lucy
visited the hospital once and thought that would ease the nagging reminders that plagued her concerning Annie.
Then the illness lingered, and Annie was released from the hospital. Lucy’s convictions also hung around. Why, she didn’t
know. The two women had no real relationship, Lucy reasoned. Besides, Lucy was busy doing lots of good things. And
when she was out running errands, even though she went right by Annie’s neighborhood, Lucy wasn’t sure about the address,
so better not to stop than to embarrass herself by going to the wrong house.
Time passed and days were consumed. Still Annie was positioned in the back of Lucy’s mind, always with an admonishment
to act. Then Annie was hospitalized again. The outlook was grim. But, surely there was time for Lucy to have one more
chance to follow the urging of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture urges us not to tire of well doing and walk worthy of our calling. Lucy was a good person—just a harried one who
was caught up in her own life and its day to day happenings—much like we all are. Nothing wrong with that until it blocks out
the directions God would have us take. Basically we really intend to get around to doing what we should, as soon as we take
care of our own schedules.
Lucy certainly thought about doing what was right, she just didn’t follow through. A second chance? Lucy didn’t get one.
Annie died four days later.
May we start the new year with a resolve to hear God’s call and obey. Nothing matters more.
| Good Intentions by Cynthia Price |
Cynthia and her husband, Bill, have four grown children and five grandchildren. She has been active for
many years in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship.
A writer and speaker, Cynthia has a heart for women and their special needs. She is available to speak to
your women's group and can be contacted at cbankprice@cablelynx.com.
many years in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship.
A writer and speaker, Cynthia has a heart for women and their special needs. She is available to speak to
your women's group and can be contacted at cbankprice@cablelynx.com.
Copyright © 2010 Cynthia Price. All rights reserved.
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