From Thoughts to Actions

 

Doris lives in Mentor, Ohio.  Every day she walks to the end of her driveway and blows kisses to the kids as bus No. 4 drives by.  The kids affectionately call Doris “Grandma.”  Rain, snow, or shine, Doris has not missed a day in over five years.  Recently, neighbor Kathy let the bus driver know that Doris’ 88^th birthday was the next week.  On her special day, the bus stopped in front of her house, a boy brought out a birthday card to give to Doris, and all the children sang, “Happy Birthday.”  As the bus pulled away, the little boy in the last seat yelled out, “I love you!” and blew Grandma Doris a kiss.

Henry Proctor owns Mane Street Barber Company, with shops in Antrim and Hillsboro, New Hampshire.  Recently, five kids walked into his shop.  After giving four haircuts, Proctor signaled to the fifth child.  The boy explained, “I can’t afford it.  We never have money.”  That response tugged at Henry’s heart.  Since then, Proctor and Lizzy Nute have advertised and given free haircuts to 30 kids who needed one and will continue to do so until the end of August so that kids can go back to school with a fresh haircut.  Nate responded, “No need to be embarrassed.  We’re glad to help.”

 

Edison Juel, 5 years old, lives in Seattle.  He and his family visited the Big Island of Hawaii the week before the fires broke out on Maui.  They had been to Lahaina in January.  After seeing pictures of the fires, Edison decided he wanted to help.  On a family walk he told his mom, “Maybe we can do one of those stands.  I could sell food and popsicles.”  Edison’s parents promised to match whatever sales he made 3:1.  They were hoping their son would make about $100, if all the items sold, since each was listed at $1.  People were most generous.  With the Juel’s matching donations, they sent $16,500 to the Maui Community Fund!

 

Mr. Y noticed that the kids in his neighborhood did not have a way to get out of the sun or a place to sit while waiting for the bus.  He bought and had some shade trees planted and then had a bench and trash can installed.

 

May we, too, put our thoughts for helping, encouraging, and blessing others into action.

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

Philippians 4:8