“Forgetting religion for a moment, as that is a
personal matter,” Sir Nicholas Winton
said, “there is one thing that can unite everybody. That is fundamental ethics.
If people just focused on living a life with kindness, love, goodness decency,
honor and truthfulness. We would be much better off.”
After the World War II, Nicholas Winton's rescue
efforts of 669 Czech children remained virtually unknown. It
was not until 1988, when his wife Grete found a scrapbook from 1939 with all
the children's photos and a complete list of names of those rescued by the man
who became known as “Britain's Schindler” Sir Nicholas Winton. Although, at the time he
was not a Knight but just Nicky, a single 29 year old stock broker planning a weekend
skiing trip when his life took a turn as he agreed to help his friend with a project
of organizing foster families in London. When asked about his remarkable act he
said he didn’t think it was remarkable; it was just the right thing to do.
When we are faced with situations
in our life, most of us probably don’t pause to think about our choices in
terms of right or wrong but instead about what we want to do. Doing what’s
right will most likely involve a sacrifice of our personal preference. In fact,
I would say most of our choices really are about doing right or doing more
right. Was it wrong for Nicholas to go skiing that weekend? - No. Was it more
right to help the children instead? – Yes. Was it his preference to go skiing that
weekend? – probably. Sir Nicholas even chose to get fired instead
of returning to work when summoned by his boss stating nothing at work could be
more important than what he was doing.
The Bible is full of stories where a person has to choose between a personal
preferance or doing what God has asked. Most of the time we do not know why we
are the one called by God but He sees the big picture and has made His choice -
His choice is us. This calling can be made
in the smallest ways, like a friend inviting us to come help. Even the smallest
decision of yes or no can have an impact like Nicky’s choice that weekend.
The children saved in
Czechoslovakia became known as Nicky’s Family. Sir Nicholas Winton, was Knighted
at the age of 100 died at the age of 106. His “family” is now around 7,000
descendants.
“For
I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after
him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord
will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” Genesis 18:19 (NIV)
**Lord, bring this story to mind when
I am faced with a choice to do right or do more right. I want to be used by you and be obedient to
your calling. Help me every day to live
a life releasing my personal preferences to help others. Forgive for those
times that I did not chose goodness, kindness, love, honor or truth. As your descendant,
I want to be a good representative of your family. **
Click the link to see the documentary trailer for “Nicky's Family”. You
can also see the whole movie on Netflix.
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