Tag Archive for: Galatians 5:13

Help Always Has a Paddle

,

Matthew 22:39 — “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

It happened on a Thursday night that went sideways in a hurry. One minute, the sky and seas were calm, then—boom—not so much.

Locals say the wind went from gentle to howling in about the time it takes to butter toast. Unfortunately, that was exactly the same time that a couple paddled out into the sea on their kayak.

Now, to be fair, nobody’s faulting them. They probably thought they’d squeeze in one last paddle before dinner with their dogs. And it would’ve stayed sweet, if not for the New Jersey sky deciding to throw a temper tantrum.

In seconds the winds picked up immensely, and their kayak flipped. The woman and her dogs went one way. The man went another.

People started gathering on porches and decks, holding their breath at the scene.

And then came the hero. Brennan.

“He just ran,” said one of the neighbors. “Full sprint. Down the dock. Gone.”

He leapt straight into the chaos, paddling furiously, and one by one—pulled them back. First one dog, then the second. Then the woman. By that time, the man had managed to grab hold of a dock, wet and shaken but safe.

It all happened so fast. And then it was over. Everyone said the same thing: “If Brennan hadn’t been there…”

Well. He was.

And here’s the part you may not expect: Brennan wasn’t a local business owner. Brennan was one of the dogs. A Labrador retriever who didn’t hesitate to launch himself into danger for the sake of his people.

That’s the thing about love—it doesn’t overthink. It doesn’t weigh the odds. It just runs straight into the storm when someone’s in need.

Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God—and the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). That kind of love isn’t always convenient, and it doesn’t always make sense. But it’s exactly what this world needs.

So maybe the question today is: Who around you needs you to run into the storm for them?

Because if a dog named Brennan can do it… surely we can too.

/by

Unlock Happiness by Helping Others

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Galatians 5:13

The hallway looked like a rainbow had exploded. Balloons were everywhere—floating near the ceiling, wedged in corners, and rolling under people’s feet.

Moments earlier, the high school professor had issued a challenge: blow up a balloon, write your name on it, and toss it into the hallway.

“Now, go find your own,” he said with a grin.

What began as a fun, lighthearted exercise quickly spiraled into frustration. Students shoved past one another, scanning the floor and peering into the sea of color.

When time ran out, the professor clapped his hands. “Stop!” he said. “Let’s try something different. Pick up the first balloon you find and give it to the person whose name is on it.”

The shift was instantaneous. Students began reading names, calling them out, and making eye contact as they handed balloons to their rightful owners. Everywhere around young people were laughing, feeling relieved, and expressing gratitude.

With everyone settled, the professor explained, “These balloons are a lot like happiness. When you chase it for yourself, you often come up empty. But when you help others, joy comes to you.”

Isn’t that the heart of love? Life can feel like a mad dash to grasp what we think will fulfill us. Yet love invites us to pause, notice others, and give. God’s design is simple yet profound: joy is found in serving others.

Today, someone near you is searching. Maybe it is the cashier at the grocery store, a friend walking through a hard season, or a stranger who looks like they could use a kind word. Will you help them find their “balloon” today?

/by