Before I became a lawyer, I worked as an engineer on a team that designed hemodialysis machines. While talking with patients going through dialysis, I learned how hard it is to live without a kidney.
Therefore, when I heard about a taxi driver who gave his kidney to a passenger because “God thought it was a good idea,” it caught my attention.
If a video screen does not appear above, click here [1].
In the process of giving Rita Van Loenen a new life, Tom Chappell modeled the six disciplines of relational wisdom [2]:
- He viewed Rita’s situation in the light of God’s character and purposes, and sought His leading on what to do (God-aware).
- When he sensed that God was calling him to help Rita, Tom trusted, obeyed and imitated the Lord by making a stunning sacrifice (God-engaging).
[3]Tom humbly discerned his own values, interests and strengths … even to the point of realizing he had a body part that he could spare (Self-aware).- When Rita was harsh with him, Tom mastered his emotions and words, thereby resisting the temptation to lash back (Self-engaging).
- Tom sought to understand Rita’s irritability by going to the library to learn about kidney failure, and once he realized what she was experiencing, he felt genuine empathy [4]and concern for her (Other-aware).
- Tom’s compassion overflowed in an act of sacrificial love that not only benefited a woman who had mistreated him but also reflected the love that Jesus has shown to each of us through the gospel [5](Other-engaging).
I encourage you to follow Tom’s example this holiday season, as he followed the example of Christ. If you’re willing to give up a kidney, I’ve actually got a dear friend who needs one … as do many other people (see the moving stories on this page [6]).
If you’re not in a position to sacrifice a kidney, there are many other gifts you could give this holiday season that would bless the people around you. Gifts of time, listening, encouragement, compassion, hospitality, forgiveness, and material support …
… all of which are simply an overflowing of relational wisdom, the life-changing act of loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself … even when she’s cranky.
-Ken Sande
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© 2014 Ken Sande
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