Faith | Laws of gravity and motion in motorcycle crash taught him ‘spiritual physics’

A 1972 motorcycle accident introduced me to the laws of physics and the effects of hitting hard objects at speed. What started as a pleasant ride through Richland traumatically ended with deep scars and panic for my unsuspecting family.

Only a few weeks out of high school, I was new in the Tri-Cities, having moved here with my father to begin jobs. My mother and the rest of the family would arrive weeks later after suitable living arrangements had been secured.

After trauma surgery and a week at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, I was taken in by a local family who saw our plight and offered a bed—along with kind hearts—to assist with recovery and convalescence from broken bones and injured spirit. All the while knowing there would be no possible way they would be made whole from the expense.

While the perils of motorcycles are forever etched in my mind and heart, so also is the kindness of strangers offering charity to a stranger.

The Bible teaches that those who live and serve at this level inherit a special reward; “I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36).

The exemplar of this saintly behavior is Christ himself. He set the pattern of sacrifice, service, humility, and condescension (Psalm 113:6-7) by doing good and blessing the lives of others (Acts 10:38)—especially the poor and those in need whether they thanked him or not.

He washed dirty feet, ministered to the sick and the blind and the lame, and dressed the spiritual and emotional wounds of the despondent.

He taught his followers to forgive those who unfairly treated them and to pray for their enemies and those who mistreated them.

He pleaded for forgiveness for those who unjustly and ignorantly abused him, suggesting the same for us.

He even restored the ear of the servant who participated in his arrest.

While part of his mission was to rescue the “one”, he nurtured, fed, and served the “ninety-nine”, doing so without reservation or judgment. His counsel remains to “mourn with those that mourn” and to “comfort those who stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9). We’re also told to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and [to] strengthen the feeble knees” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). Today we model his condescension (without acting condescendingly) by humbling our natures and taking upon us his nature, by serving others.

There are opportunities aplenty to help those suffering bad health, as I was years ago. Or the opportunity to help with the disease of addiction, or the effects of abuse, divorce, or family instability. There are also those who are experiencing depression or mental health challenges, and more, where we can step up to help. In none of this do they deserve our judgment.

Acting with his nature extends to our regard for those who despitefully use us, or who are less courteous, or who offend us.

Kind words with a warm smile, while ungrudgingly extending the benefit of doubt, counters everything from short tempers, road rage, unkind speech, mocking behavior, or making light of personal problems.

Gravity and speed extract their toll from errant motorcycle riding. So, also, does small-minded pride which lifts itself above others or belittles them for their social status or misfortune, or delights in advantage at another’s expense.

These laws of ‘spiritual physics’ are as certain as that of gravity and the laws of motion.

Real disciples offer service with no thought of reward—not because others deserve it, but because of who the disciple is. Serving and caring for others follows an important example who condescended below all so he could lift and bless others through our hands.

Guest Spiritual Life writer G. Lee Ostler is a leader in the West Richland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.