"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Cor 13:4-7 NIV)
The Ninety-Mile beach is a beautiful beach on the
North island of New Zealand. Surrounded by dunes, flat sand and an active Tasman
Sea, it attracts all kinds of people. However it is far from being a safe place,
especially if someone decides to swim in the sea, as did the grandson and
granddaughter of a fisherman aged 55, that fatal day on Dec 29, 2009. Both of
these kids encountered trouble while swimming. The current was too strong for
them, and before they knew it they had swallowed a good quantity of saltwater.
Without hesitation, their grandfather jumped into the
water to come to their rescue. A beachgoer was able to rescue the granddaughter,
but the grandson was in real trouble as the current had him in its grip. The
only thing the grandfather could do was to hold his grandson above the water,
while his own head was underwater, waiting for a rescuer. After some tough
minutes, the grandson was saved, but the grandfather didn't make it. He
sacrificed his life for those he loved.
May we all learn from this grandfather about what love
truly means. Let's take advantage of each day that has been given to us to
exercise this love in its fullest vigour. Maybe, just maybe will we wake up from
our slumber and notice that the world around us hungers for pure selfless love!
What will we do about it?
"We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 NIV)
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.