In/Out

The world today can be quite arbitrary in “who” is selected and isn’t.  Only one can win an election.  Only a select number can make a sports team.  Even the number of seats in restaurants limits the diners who can be present during a sitting.  Everywhere one looks it appears that there are those who are on the inside and those who are not.  Society appears to applaud the competitive nature of every aspect of life.  Yet, does it reach out to those who have not made it?
 
The problem often lies with the drivers.  Many had no chance to begin with.  They didn’t have the right education.  Perhaps it was the accent, color of their skin, or even the principles and values they hold most precious in life.  It is as if we know being different is linked to the reason we might be excluded.  The natural reaction follows.  Everyone tries to hide or shed any and every reason for not being part of the winning side. 
 
Yet my question today isn’t on the selection process.  I wonder how we respond to anything, people or resources that are tossed aside.  Do we consider who they are?  Do we look for the unlocked, undiscovered value within?  Do we seek to be part of their community, to support, comfort, and nurture?
 
When “Jesus heard that they had thrown him [the blind man] out…[he] went and found him.”  (John 9.35)  In the story that followed the motives for the action were clear.  The motives had nothing to do with the competitive struggle for power between Jesus and the Leaders of the day.  Jesus compassionately cared and acted accordingly.
 
I look around and see many who have lost with one struggle or another.  I find myself glancing in the mirror and I can see the traces of pain etched by life’s selection process.  Am I willing to compassionately reach out to any, including myself?  Will I seek to discover the value God recognizes in each?  Will I be part of God plan for you and even for my self?