Bill Murray and Loving Your Neighbor

Bill Murray (the famous actor) caught a cab ride and struck up a conversation with the driver.  Murray learned that the cab driver loved to play his saxophone, but didn’t get to do so very often.  The driver explained that he drove cab fourteen hours a day, leaving little time for practice or performance.  He simply drove his cab with his saxophone in the trunk, wishing he could play more.

Learning about the driver’s love for music and unused instrument in the trunk, Murray got an idea.  He would drive the cab and let the cab driver play his sax in the backseat.  Long story short, Murray paid cab fair for almost an hour so that he could drive the cab and let the cabbie to play his music.  The actor went out of his way to allow someone enjoy what he loved.  That is a true story (according to Bill Murray).

Murray’s story is humorous, but also moving.  In some small way, Murray’s cab ride illustrates very Christian understandings of love and kindness.  Jesus tells His disciples, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Mark 12:31).  Most of us appreciate it when people go out of their way to help us enjoy something we love.  Why not get creative in doing the same for others – like driving a cab so that a music lover can play his sax.

As you go through the coming week, be on the lookout for opportunities love your neighbors in creative ways.  As you do, you will be following the instruction of Jesus.  You may also get to enjoy the music of a really great saxophonist!