Little Things/BIG Difference

“The biggest change can start with something very small.”

Marcus Henderson was working as the cashier at the drive-thru window at the Chick-fil-A in Lubbock, Texas when Danny Cadra paid for his food, received his order, and then drove off before Marcus had time to give him his change.  Realizing Cadra was a regular customer, Marcus put the $3 in an envelope, placed it in his back pocket, and was prepared to give the change to Danny the next time he came to eat.  Each day when it was time for work, Henderson put on his uniform, name tag, hat, apron, and put the envelope in his pocket in case that would be the day Danny came by again.  A few weeks later, Danny brought his daughter to have lunch at Chick-fil-A.  Marcus immediately recognized him and gave him the envelope with the change in it.  Cadra told NBC Dallas Fort-Worth, “It really wasn’t the money that made him so happy, but rather that Henderson so clearly went above and beyond for him as a regular patron. ‘It meant that much to him.  So it meant even that much more to me.’”  Because of the encounter, the two men have become friends.  They discovered that both were trumpet majors at Texas Tech as well as having other things in common.

Last week, two of my friends took the opportunity to have lunch with their grandchildren to celebrate Grandparents’ Day at school.  They had the early shift with their grandson and then the later time with their granddaughter.  When their granddaughter arrived, she had invited a friend from another class to eat with them, since her parents or grandparents weren’t able to attend that morning.  While eating, precious “E” leaned over and whispered something to her friend.  They both got up and asked a girl who was eating without guests to join them.  What could be considered a small act of kindness made a big difference for a friend that day.

May we, too, be willing to take notice and make a difference in someone’s life this week.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

Be kind and compassionate to one another.

Ephesians 4:32a

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16

A Timely Lesson

Two Sundays ago, there were showers of blessings both inside and out.  Due to the heavy rains and wet conditions, I decided to ride back to church with Larry on Sunday afternoon rather than take two cars for the evening service.  Since Larry had a meeting, I had an hour and a half to read and visit.  Even though I was at the church early, I was late to worship!  I thought I had plenty of time, but when I arrived at the chapel, Larry informed me that I was late.  When looking at the time on my watch, it showed I still had 12 minutes before church was to begin.  Apparently the watch battery, that was replaced the month before, was not working properly.  Since I trusted the watch, I didn’t bother to look at my phone or another source to confirm or check the correct time.

Thus, some lessons to consider:

* Sometimes an additional investment must be made to make things right (another battery)

* It takes more than good intentions to make something happen

* You can be in the building, but not in the right room and miss out

* Even when you have trusted and depended on something in the past, it’s good to check it out periodically to make sure it is still trustworthy

* Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever and always worthy of my trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 9:10

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

Psalm 13:5

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20:7

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.

Jeremiah 17:7

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Remembering, Reflecting, Responding

This week our nation once again paused to remember and reflect on the memories of 9/11.  Most of the students who are juniors in high school were not even born when the airplane crashes occurred in 2001.  Thus, the day is one for not only remembering, but also teaching another generation about the events of the day.  It has been encouraging to see school children and their parents and teachers honor, celebrate, and thank the first responders in their communities with notes, posters, treats, and words of thanks and encouragement for what they do to invest in their community.  First responders have also found ways to honor their own.

A post by Elizabeth S. Gray also caused a time to reminisce.  “I miss 9/12.  I would never want another 9/11, but I miss the America of 9/12.  Stores ran out of flags to sell because they were being flown everywhere.  People were Americans before they were upper/lower class, Jewish/Christian, Republican/Democrat.  We hugged people without caring if they ate at Chick-fil-A or wore Nikes.  On 9/12, what mattered more was what united us, than what divided us.”

And the churches were full on 9/11 and the months following.  This week we’ve remembered, reflected, and now it’s time to once again respond.  May we each choose to do our part in letting God’s love and light shine through us in all we say and do so that all people from every nation, tribe, and language are offered the opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:14

Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Proverbs 12:20

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:9

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.  They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9

Going the Second Mile

Norah’s mom, Tara, noticed that her daughter, age 3, looks out for the elderly.  When an older person is crossing the parking lot, Norah reminds her mother to go slow.  Along with other children, this precious child is also known to be quite honest in situations.  Recently, Norah asked her mom to stop at the store to buy cupcakes to share with her six siblings for her 4th birthday celebration.  As they were going down an aisle in the store, Norah called out, “Hi old person!  It’s my birfday today!”  Tara began apologizing to the man, but then realized that his face was softening and he was talking with Norah about her birthday.  As they went down another aisle, Norah kept asking her mom to take a picture with her friend.  When they encountered Dan again, Tara explained Norah’s request and he smiled and said that would be fine.  Norah “placed her soft hand on top of his hand.  He wordlessly stared at her with twinkling eyes as she kept his hand in hers and studied his skinny veins and weathered knuckles.  She kissed the top of his hand and then placed it on her cheek.”  As Tara thanked Dan, he explained that this was his best day in a long time.  When they arrived home Tara posted a picture and recounted what had happened at the store.  A lady responded with a private message and explained that Dan’s wife, Mary, had recently died and that he had been terribly lonely.  Tara found Dan’s telephone number, called to speak to him and planned a visit for a few days later.  When Norah and her mother arrived, Tara noticed that Dan looked younger.  He had shaved, had a haircut, and was smiling and ready to greet his guest.  Dan had crayons and paper for Norah.  They spent 3 hours coloring and visiting.  As they were leaving, Mr. Dan cut a rose in his garden, took off the thorns, and handed it to Norah.  Tara and Norah continue to visit Mr. Dan and he now joins their family for holiday celebrations, all because a little girl spoke to an “Old person” and her mother went the second mile to reach out and continue the relationship.

When Autumn Michels was 7 months old, an inoperable brain tumor was detected near her optic nerves.  As she grew older, so did the tumor.  In order to slow the growth, three surgeries were performed to remove a portion of the tumor.  Autumn’s optic nerves were sacrificed in the process, leaving her totally blind at the age of 4.  When she was in the sixth grade at Laingsburg Middle School, Autumn signed up to be in the band.  She chose the clarinet and learned to play the music by ear.  Autumn also worked at reading Braille sheet music.  As a freshman, Autumn desired to be in the 114-member band at Laingsburg High School in Michigan.  One of her dreams was to be able to march at halftime.  Band Director Thomas Cousineau was aware of her wish and researched the best way to make that dream a reality.  Usually Autumn uses a cane to navigate the halls at school, but with the close proximity to the other marchers a different technique would be needed.  At band camp that summer, Cousineau asked senior Rachael Steffens to fill in and to stand behind Autumn and guide her through each of the positions as the band members marched.  When the director had trouble finding someone else to help, once school started, Rachael decided that she wanted to be the one to help Autumn so she could march with the band.  When the band plays in the stands, Rachael is seen playing the drums, but when it’s time to march she is the eyes and steady hands so Autumn’s dream of marching is a reality.

The willingness to go the second mile can make the biggest and most lasting impact.  Ready.  Set.  Go!

“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

1 John 4:12

If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

Matthew 5:41

A Child Leads the Way

Sammie Vance, a fourth grader, lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Last year, as part of a school assignment, Sammie drew a comic strip to offer a solution for loneliness and inclusion.  Featured in the drawings were “Buddy Benches” so “If somebody’s lonely or if they’re new to the school and they don’t have anybody to play with, they can sit on the bench.  If other people see them on the bench they’ll come up to them and ask them to play.  And they can play together.”  Sammie wasn’t content to just draw the comic strip.  With the encouragement and help from her mother, Heidi, and other students at Haley Elementary School, the students began collecting plastic caps so they could have buddy benches made for their school.  Since it takes 400 pounds of recycled plastic to make one bench, it became a community effort to collect enough plastic caps.  With all that was gathered, there was enough to make three benches for the Haley Elementary playground with enough left over to share with other schools.

It all began in response to an assignment in Sally Rusk’s 8^th grade leadership class at Inglewood Middle School in Sammamish, Washington.  Belle Schmidt decided she wanted to make a difference by greeting students at the front door of the school each morning.  According to her teacher, “Belle is choosing to do it because she thinks it will make other people happy, feel better, feel more included, feel more loved.”  Beginning in January, Belle arrived at the school by 7 a.m., held the door open and greeted her peers with a smile and comment as they entered the building.  After a week, Belle was joined by 7^th grader Abby McNeer who also wanted to help welcome the students each morning.  They each hold a door open for the students, welcome them, ask questions, give high fives, and speak compliments and words of encouragement.    One girl commented, “I think it just makes you feel like it’s going to be a good day when you walk in.”  Belle will be in high school next year, but Abby plans to continue the morning greeting tradition. 

Lily DuBose had just started third grade when Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017.  As the storm intensified, Lily and her mother took refuge in the closet.  As they watched the reports of the hurricane on an iPad, Lily was troubled and concerned about all the children who were forced to leave their homes without their toys.  She knew she couldn’t give away furniture or houses, but she could help by giving away her toys.  Lily’s first gifting was a Lego set to a child in her neighborhood.  She decided to contact her Nana to request her help with donations and also asked her mother to post something on Facebook.  Soon their entire dining room was covered with toys to give away.  As word spread, Lily was even interviewed by a news station.  Before long, 5,000 toys had been collected and distributed to 200 kids.  After the toys were all given away, Lily didn’t want to stop the project.  Her mom and dad helped set up “Lily’s Toy Box” as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization so she could continue gifting, toys, books, and other items to children in need.

What a blessing that adults came alongside the students to support, encourage, and help make a way for their suggestions to become realities and make a difference in their schools and communities.  Whether it’s cheering someone on, playing, or making the calls, may we each do our part to be a positive, contributing part of the team this week.

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 7:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

I Corinthians 10:31