Do Good to Everyone

“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10 NLT

In a heartbreaking story shared by Runner’s World last week, it was reported that 16-year-old Caden Samples was killed while running in Caldwell, Idaho, on Sunday evening. A driver in a car hit the Vallivue High School student on ​​Karcher Road and Indiana Avenue. Idaho state police are still investigating the crash as Caldwell’s community mourns. Friends and family have placed flowers and notes on the Vallivue High School track to honor Samples. “I just want him to be remembered for his kindness, and his positivity and his caring,” said Ellen Samples, his grandmother. Samples competed in track, cross-country, and wrestling, as well as orchestra and student council. He also worked at Subway and had dreams of becoming a youth pastor, according to this family. “He was there for so many people,” said Samples’ aunt Jennifer. “He didn’t really care who you were, he would do what needed to be done and try to make everybody’s life a little bit better.” We’re just lucky to have been able to know him and to have him in our lives,” Jennifer said. “All the people have been saying the same thing.” Samples’ family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral and memorial expenses. “It was a very short time, but it was a very powerful, beautiful time,” Ellen Samples said of Caden’s life. “We learned a lot, and are very happy that he was in our lives.”

And you know, as sad as this story is, it’s a beautiful reminder of the impact a person can have on others by the way they live their lives each day. “We’re just lucky to have been able to know him and to have him in our lives. All the people have been saying the same thing…” This was such a powerful statement that made me pause and reflect. “Will others say the same about me when I pass away? Is the world a better place because of my actions?” I think that’s something we would all do well to consider as we remember that a life well lived, no matter how short or how long, is a life lived in service to others seeking to “do good to everyone” whenever we have the opportunity. 

So remember that life is fragile my friend and that our days aren’t guaranteed. While we have today, let us look for occasions to show kindness, positivity, and caring and do what we can to make everybody’s life a little bit better. Can you imagine how much better our world would be if we all did this? 

Heavenly Father, thank You for people like Caden who remind us that we can make a difference in this world whether we live to be 16 or 86. Cause us to realize how short life is so that we would not waste any of it by chasing after vain pursuits at the expense of helping others. Give us opportunities to be your hands and feet. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!