Eph 5:1-2 “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” NIV

Eph 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” NIV

In conjunction to the seminary that I was attending in France, there was a language school where foreigners could learn to speak French. Most of its students were from American and Canadian origin, and I liked associating with these friendly visitors from across the ocean. It didn’t take me long to learn to speak their native language-English, and they soon treated me as one of them. Together we made sure to enliven each other’s stay on the campus! It was nearly Christmastime when we learned that one of our American friends not only had a terrible cold and was confined to her room, but was also suffering from a severe case of homesickness. Since this wasn’t exactly how she had hoped to spend her year in Europe, she was threatening to return home. Her French roommate, who was also the “sous-préceptrice” that year (The student representative to the “préceptrice”, the one in charge of the girl’s dorm) approached us with a challenge: How could we encourage this young lady to stay?

We brainstormed a few different ideas, and since it was close to Christmas, we decided on finding a Christmas tree for her dorm room. None of us had any money, however; so instead of going out to buy one, we went up the mountain to cut one down.

It was fun to look for that “perfect” Christmas tree, and it wasn’t long before we had it cut down and leaning against the front entrance to the girls’ dormitory. But now we faced a new dilemma: How to get that tree up three flights of stairs and into the girl’s room! Since gentlemen weren’t allowed in the girls’ dormitory, we had hoped that our friend’s roommate would be able to take it the rest of the way; but as we watched her struggle up the first step, we realized that it simply wasn’t working!

We quickly decided that the fair thing to do would be to draw straws among the young men to see who would be the “lucky” or better “unlucky” one to “sneak” into the girls’ dorm with that tree without getting caught by the “préceptrice”. To my horror, I was elected! Why me?

Scared and confused, I started up the stairs. I couldn’t help but look back over my shoulder every few minutes to make sure no one was watching! I made it, however, and when my friend greeted me at the door with a huge smile, it all seemed worthwhile!

That girl didn’t go back home. The thought that there were people out there who cared enough for her to risk bringing her a present made the difference.

Is it worth it to try to make a difference in someone’s life, even when personal risk is involved? It was for me, and it was also worth it to Jesus. He gave His very life to save us from our lot. He willingly undertook his rescue mission, dying for a world that showed Him no love. Why? Because making a difference in the life of even one person matters!

Do you know anyone who has the blues? What will you do about it?

Rob Chaffart