3 February 2021 – Jeannine Davies, St Mary Magdalen Church Sheet

Falls, Good Samaritans and a timely reminder

Two weeks ago, hurrying across the road, I misjudged the curb’s height and fell heavily onto the pavement. I was surprised to note, lying there, that I was unable to get up. My face had met the pavement along with knees of course and my ankle had taken full force of the kerb’s rigidity. Gradually I sat up and saw with relief that a car had stopped and was right beside me, sort of guarding over me. Then a lady ran up and keeping safe distance, asked if I was alright. She and the car’s occupants kept me company while I slowly regained the ability to get up, smashed glasses in hand, and recover sufficiently from the shock to be able to say that I could see my Husband rushing back.

I’m telling you this because it was the sight of a completely unknown car, the occupants of which I never saw and the lady who gave me a sense of security and comfort when I was momentarily helpless. They were my Good Samaritans who, not knowing me, stayed by me and waited, just as our God stays quietly by our sides, invisible, in some ways unknown yet always there keeping us company, waiting for us. So despite distancing, lack of physical contact and all the current restrictions, we are none of us alone – not for one single second of the day and whilst I know this, it took a nasty fall and three strangers’ silent, distant caring to remind me of this fact – so I’m now reminding you that your own steadfast, loving Lord is with you, no matter what. He is there as your faithful companion, in all of life’s turbulence, excitement, fears and joys. So do look around you in wonder and praise of His love – oh – and do please keep your old pair of glasses at home!