Maria Andrejczyk, 25, is a cancer survivor. In 2018, osteosarcoma cancer was detected which required surgery, but no chemotherapy. After healing, Maria began training again in preparation for competitions. During the recent 2021 Olympics in Japan, Polish javelin thrower Maria Andrejczyk won the silver medal, with a throw of 64.61 meters. In recent days, Maria had been reading posts about Miloszek, an 8-month-old boy with a serious heart defect which requires an operation. His parents were raising money and making pleas to help with the $385,000 needed for medical care and transportation to Stanford University in California. About half of the funds had been raised. Even though Maria did not know the boy or his family, within two weeks after the Olympics, she decided to auction off her medal so Miloszek could have the lifesaving surgery. Money offers had already exceeded the value of the silver medal, so Maria closed the auction so Miloszek’s parents could make immediate plans to fly to the United States. The winning bidder was Zabka, a convenience store chain. After Maria received the money for the bid, the people from Zabka would not accept the medal. “We also decided that the silver medal from Tokyo will stay with Ms. Maria.”
Alana was waiting, somewhat impatiently, in line at a Walmart in Ankeny, Iowa. She soon became aware of a commotion in front of her at the register. An elderly man was asking, “Wait, what is happening? What are you doing?” A young man looked at the older gentleman and responded, “Sir, I’m paying for your items because you paid by serving my country and I’m grateful for you.” He then had the cashier scan his credit card to pay for the items, thanked the man one more time, and left the store. Trying hard to hold back the tears, he asked the cashier, “What do I do now?” With a big smile she responded, “You have a good day!” Alana said, “My heart welled as I watched our veteran readjust his Veteran ball cap, straighten up, and hold his head with pride as he walked out knowing someone was grateful for him. That 20-second interaction didn’t just change the veteran’s day – it changed my day, as well as that cashier’s – because that 20 seconds showed us by looking up and slowing down – life is pretty beautiful and surely we can find something to be grateful for.” And I agree, Alana, there were TWO heroes in the store that day.
Whether it’s planned in advance or spur of the moment, may we have hearts that hear and see a need and then respond.
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Psalm 25:4
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
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