Jamie was going through a tough time. She and her two children had moved to a new apartment, but had to sleep on the floor and share a king size blanket. A neighbor told Jamie that she received new beds from an organization called SHP. Jamie was able to contact SHP and order the beds for her family. In a few months she and her children were given beds, sheets, and pillows. This was a turning point for their family. Since her kids are now 12 and 10, Jamie has signed up for the three of them to be part of the next bed build, so they can help other families like they were helped.
Tinney Davidson and her husband moved to their home in Comox, British Columbia, in 2014. Most mornings she would sit by the front window and watch the kids walk to school. On their way to Highland Secondary School, the students would see her as they passed by, so Tinney decided that she might as well start waving to them. On Valentine’s Day, cards, cookies, flowers, and signs would be left on her front porch. After Tinney’s husband died, she continued her tradition. Recently, word got out that the 88-year-old “Waving Granny” was being moved to an assisted living home. The afternoon before the move, over 400 students gathered in Tinney’s front yard to thank her and wish her well in her new home. They brought flowers, “We Love You,” “Thanks 4 Being Awesome,” and “You’re Amazing” signs, and lots of well wishes. Tinney said, “I was shocked again that there’s so many kids that want to say goodbye to me.”
A man, who goes by the name “The Real Hiking Viking,” had just walked out of North Adams Massachusetts and decided to get one last meal at Subway before hitting the trail again. He set his backpack down at a table. A man asked if he was hiking the trail and if so in what direction. After answering, the hiker went to order his meal. Just as he was about to pay, the man came up and told the cashier he would be paying for the hiker’s meal. The Hiking Viking told the man thank you, they shook hands, and exchanged names. Then the man turned and responded, “Semper Fi.” A conversation quickly began of where and when they had served. The hiker said he had hiked with Warrior Hike in 2013 on the AT. The man responded that he was the Quartermaster at the local VFW Post. He had hosted the Hiking Viking and the other Warrior Hikers that year! He thanked the man again and then sat down to eat. He soon noticed a lady enter that looked cold and like she could use some cheering up. The lady ordered for two. Hiking Viking walked up behind her and told her about the kind man who had bought his lunch. He said he would like to do the same for her and pass on the kindness. The woman responded, “There IS a God! Man, I really needed this one today!! I can’t even tell you. Thank you. Thank you!!” The hiker reflected, “Small acts of kindness add up. Restores your soul sometimes. Restores your faith in others. Restores your faith in this world.”
Whatever our season in life, may we, too, be purposeful givers and grateful recipients.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:10
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