“Don’t Worry, I’m Here!”

by Gene Shelburne

Five-year-old Peter is a member of the precocious, up and coming generation which will confidently take over the running of our world two or three decades from now. With sharp mind and eagle eye he’s already easing into the job. He’s also self-assured and willing, both of which are invaluable assets for anyone who will be in charge of things by the middle years of our current century.

Peter’s story arrived at our house via a phone conversation with our daughter-in-law who lives in the Washington, D.C. area. Her sister Grace, Peter’s mom, had told her the story from California. It goes like this:

Christmas Eve day in the Los Angeles suburbs. A very long and slow checkout line at the Target Store. Suddenly, with a loud and clear voice Peter warns his mom:

“Mom, don’t look now, but bin Laden is in line behind us.”

“Not so loud, Peter, people can hear you,” mom says.

Just as distinctly as before, Peter repeats his message: “Mom, bin Laden is in line behind us. But don’t worry, I’m here!”

Sure enough, as soon as Grace could manage a peek, there in line behind them was a man with the telltale ID: beard and turban. The fact that the gentleman in question was not the world’s most notorious fugitive is beside the point. Peter was right on track.

We all need to be sensitive to potential problems and to care how they might impact the people around us, especially those we love and for whom we feel a strong responsibility. We’re all vulnerable to the circumstances of life and need the comfort of family, friends, and Christian brothers and sisters. It’s a special blessing to know that when it’s needed, someone will say, “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Both our Lord and his apostles left us a rich heritage of sacrificial caring. Through their own lives and in their teaching we learn the value of compassion. Jesus expanded the concept of what it is to be a neigh neighbor. We’re taught about love and responsibility within our families, as well as within the family of God, and even toward our enemies. “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Comforting words.