I awakened late on Sunday morning, but with a strong push I made it to the chapel earlier than my usual last minute arrival.

I greeted our volunteers and walked inside, where I spotted one of my medical school professors who attends regularly. We started chatting and in the conversation I happened to ask his age. In response, he confessed that it was his birthday and he was turning 73! I congratulated him and we stopped talking as the choir began to sing.

Before I left to go to the main service, though, I wrote a birthday note and invited him to come over to the café for a meal. After the chapel service ended, we had a lovely breakfast. He lives alone and was not going to celebrate with his son until the following weekend. Thus, it made me extra happy that God got me there early and used me to offer a birthday blessing for His child!

It reminds me of how important it is to have margin in my life so I can be available to serve. I am too often like the religious guys in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan – too busy with my own agenda to take time for a neighbor.

As it turns out, filling our lives with activity robs God of the moments He needs to bring us into those divine encounters that bless us and make us a blessing. Studies show that those who are hurried or preoccupied often don’t even notice the needs around them, or when they do, excuse themselves from helping.

Consider leaving a little earlier today and leave God a little time to get you where he wants you to be. It is in the margins that we can help those who need us.

Here is a moving video of some German students, reminding us of life’s brevity and the power we have to make a difference.