Take My Spot, Please
The Independent reports that, a "Japanese company has implemented a radical parking strategy that has caught the world’s attention."
The strategy, which involves early employees sacrificing their parking spots for harmony, reflects the deep-rooted cultural values of cooperation and consideration in Japanese society.
To address the issue, they have adopted a system where employees who arrive early enough to secure a parking spot must forfeit it to a colleague who arrives later.
This selfless act ensures that those who live farther away or have more difficulty finding alternative transportation can have a guaranteed spot.
The Independent continues:
The system is a demonstration of the Japanese work ethic and the value placed on teamwork and mutual support. It underscores the importance of considering the needs of others and working together for the common good, even at the expense of personal convenience.
Critics might argue that such a system could lead to resentment or abuse, but reports indicate that it has been well-received by the company’s employees. The strategy seems to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility, reinforcing the bonds between colleagues and promoting a positive work environment. ...
[The program] offers a compelling case study of the power of collective action and the importance of prioritizing community over individual gain.
As Christians, the Lord calls us to adopt just such a "radical stratedgy" in ALL our dealings with others, putting the needs of others above our own. In this way, we can build a genuine sense of community among the brethren, and demonstrate a genuine desire to be witness to Christ's selfless love to the unsaved.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others" (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV).
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14, ESV).
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10, NKJV).
The Sacrificial Heart of Shlomo Ron
This is Shlomo Ron. When Hamas terrorists invaded his home in Kibbutz Nahal Oz, this 85-year-old frail man had a plan. He left his wife, daughters and grandson in the shelter, and went to sit in his living room, waiting for his death. He figured that when terrorists break in they will see him, execute the lonely old man, and move on. He was right. He’s a hero who sacrificed himself for the people he loves. May be [sic] rest in peace.
Two things are particulary impressive about the actions of Shlomo in the face of grave terror ...
1) He had a plan! He had not waited till the 11th hour to decide how he would respond when the moment came for him to take action.
2) His plan was to protect and "save" those whom he loves.
THIS is what sacrificial love looks like.
Know What You Are For
Jeff Henderson, in his book Know What You’re For, tells a story of when he received such a gift; a surprise.
He was driving around town with a billionaire. He had never driven around a billionaire before. He found himself driving slower, more cautiously. Hands at ten and two. Eyes on the road.
His passenger was Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, the inventor of the famed chicken sandwich, and at that time, Henderson’s boss’ boss. He was driving Mr. Cathy to a speaking engagement in a white Ford with cow spots on it. As others passed the only cow-spotted car driving down the road, they gave them a wave or a smile.
The gift — the surprise — was the conversation he and Mr. Cathay enjoyed. Henderson was surprised that Mr. Cathy conversed with him at all, much less having many questions to ask him.
Once Cathy started talking, Henderson expected he would discuss sales or chicken. But instead he took a great interest in Henderson. He asked about his wife, his children, his parents. Then, they discussed parenting and how to be great husbands. They didn't talk about sales goals or chicken sandwiches. Instead, they talked about things of permanence.
Henderson drove slower, wanting to relish the moment.
These are moments — gifts — we may not recognize at the time. Moments that take their time. They quietly make their way through the crowded thoughts, experiences, and memories in our brain, and before we know it, they’re standing beside us.
At some point, we turn and recognize how these moments became a memory and how it has been shaping us the whole time.
The car ride and conversation with Truett Cathy was one such moment for Jeff Henderson. A seed was planted as Henderson realized Truett Cathy was "for" him. He was more interested in what he could do for Henderson than what Henderson could do for him.
This is the message of the Good News. Jesus — second Person of the Divine Trinity; Lord of the Universe — was born, lived, died, was resurrected, and ascended to Heaven, and will come back, all for us! His interests and concerns are not for Himself; they are for us. His mission wasn't for Himself; it was for us. Jesus is for us!
Since we know He is for us, let us live each day for Him!
"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Romans 14:8, ESV).