A No Drop Ride

“Then a Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.” – Luke 10:33-34

In the cycling world there are two kinds of group rides. Experienced riders go out and ride their own ride at whatever pace they choose and assume that everyone will find their own way. Novice or casual riders often choose a “No Drop” group ride in which no rider gets left behind should they be unable to hold the pace or experience mechanical problems.

For many of us, life is beginning to feel a bit more normal. The mask mandate and physical distancing requirements have dropped for those who are fully vaccinated. It’s so good to see people’s smiles!

But not everyone is feeling the joy. Some are struggling with the grief of losing loved ones. Others are still fighting the Covid infection and its lingering effects. Still others are anxious about an uncertain economic future. Depression and other mental health challenges are not uncommon. Many are just now dealing with the trauma of the past 18 months.

The kind of life we’ve learned in Christ is a “No Drop” life. We don’t assume that everyone will find their own way. Out of love for our neighbor we seek to be aware of those around us, and when we come upon a fellow traveler stopped on the side of the road we don’t just wave and wish them well. We pause. We listen. We help when we can. We love. We do life at their pace.

If you’re struggling right now, please ask for the help you need. Let’s not do this ride called life alone.

Jeff Marian serves as lead pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN