A friend of mine at church sends me YouTube videos from a country boy named Buddy Brown. Of all of Buddy’s videos, there is one that I keep thinking about. Here it is in Buddy’s words.

We had a FedEx delivery guy that changed my life. He only spent about 25 seconds with us each time he delivered a package. Now, what can you possibly do in 25 seconds to help someone? I used to think that. I have learned it can be more valuable than 15 or 20-minute conversations.

His name was Robert. He would come to our house with the most infectious smile and laughter. “How’s the family? How’s the boys? They still fishin’?” When my son caught a big bass, and showed it to him Robert would make over it like a proud daddy. If the boys were playing basketball, he would grab the ball, shoot and make a 3-pointer. Then he would run back to his truck and get to work. It all happened in 25 seconds.

We got looking forward to him pulling into our driveway. My boys would run outside, and I would stop what I was doing to talk to Robert.

We couldn’t have been more different. Robert was a black guy tattooed from head to toe, with dreadlocks in his hair. I’m a white guy in a camo shirt, cowboy boots, and a ball cap. None of that matters – he made every second count. That is what I remember about him. Robert was shot and killed while sitting in his delivery truck in a rough neighborhood last year. He left behind a wife and seven kids.

The reason I am telling you all this is that maybe there are times you spend 25 seconds with people. You think it doesn’t matter. I cried the day Robert got killed. He mattered that much to me and my boys.

So are we going to use that 25 seconds or throw it away? Some people are desperate to receive 25 seconds.

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus is talking about the last days. He said that because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. I am not going to let that happen to me.

Ask about their family, ask about their kids. Robert delivered packages and spent 25 seconds with us, yet I still tell others about him long after he is gone.

Buddy and I ask you to think about how you will spend 25 seconds with people. Welcome a visitor, invite someone to church, tell someone about Jesus. Touch their lives. All it takes is 25 seconds.