What a Teen’s Quick Compassion Reveals about Neighbor-Love in an Age of Hurry

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What Happened in Gilbert, Arizona?

In the heat of Gilbert, Arizona, temperatures soared above 103 degrees. Royal Cuthrun, a 14-year-old boy from the city, was out enjoying a bike ride when he saw something that caught him off guard: an elderly woman wandering around with a shopping bag and purse.

Deciding to approach the woman, Cuthrun could tell that something was off. Later identified as seventy-five-year-old Theresa Morgan, she was searching for her apartment. Choosing to record the entire interaction using his smart glasses, Cuthrun guided the woman into the shade. After talking with her for a few minutes, it was clear Morgan was confused and distressed. According to People magazine, Cuthrun “was able to get the woman to remember her son Jeff’s phone number. The teen waited with Morgan until Jeff arrived. Shortly after, members of Gilbert Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.”

In a world where we’re busy, preoccupied, and easily distracted, rescue officials call Cuthrun’s action an attentive miracle. Due to the location where Morgan was found, it’s suspected that numerous people drove by and saw the woman without stopping. But not Cuthrun.

In the heat of the moment, an ordinary teen chose to pay attention and take action, which ultimately may have saved Morgan’s life. Because what if being a modern-day hero has less to do with what we do and more about what we pay attention to? What if loving our neighbor and those around us doesn’t begin with food pantries and day-services (though those are both important programs), but learning to pay attention well?

How Does Loving Your Neighbor Begin with Learning to See?

In Luke 10:33-37, there’s a familiar passage highlighting the Good Samaritan. The passage reads as follows:

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (NIV).