A Wise Young Man

By Peter Lundell –    

The world we live in is good at caring for the disabled, and they get lots of government benefits. But rarely do I see anyone learning from them.

I was invited for supper, where I met a young man named Justin. He has Downs Syndrome. Such people used to be called mentally retarded. Now they’re referred to as developmentally disabled. But no one ever calls them character advanced.

Justin was positive and enthusiastic about everything he did and said. When I smiled at him, he beamed. And he’d give a thumbs up. He took it upon himself to clear two large tables covered with serving trays, dishes, cups, and utensils. It took a long time, and while the family members chatted, he carried every last thing with joy, never once asking anyone to help. When I passed him a plate, he thanked me as if I had done him a great favor. When I thanked him, he thanked me back more. When I simply picked up my wife’s purse, he wanted to help. That’s enough, Justin. Thank you.

It didn’t seem to occur to Justin that a person should act any other way. His family says he’s always cheerful and helpful. He never stops.

And I thought of how many “smart” people don’t come close to Justin’s character. I wondered how many could even hope to approach it. I want to be one.

Justin helped me to see more clearly than ever: While the world may consider him the least of these, Jesus would consider him among the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Justin loves Jesus very much. And I have no doubt of how much Jesus loves him.

Thank you, Justin, for helping me see, helping me love, and helping me serve.

What a wise young man you are.

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV).

Father, open my eyes to see as you see, to know the heart as you do, and to grow in character as Christ enables me.