Good in the World

Last week, Lisa Austerman was behind a man in the checkout line at the grocery store.  He had several turkeys and lots of other items to prepare Thanksgiving meals.  Lisa commented that he must be cooking for a lot of people.  The man stated, “Actually I’m donating all of it.  So much negativity going around right now.  I needed to do something to help.”  Lisa responded, “You’re that reminder we all need about good in the world.”

Robin Moore spent Thanksgiving with her son, Bobby, and his family in Galveston, Texas.  Thursday evening, as she was packing up her platters, Robin noticed Bobby filling three large plates with some of the leftovers.  He then took the food to the evening clerk at the corner convenience store.  Bobby began this tradition several years ago.

 

Each morning, on her way to work, a lady noticed a girl at the school bus stop wasn’t wearing a coat.  Even though the cold weather had arrived, the 12-year-old did not have warm enough clothing.  After finding a coat for the girl, the lady rearranged her schedule so she and her three-year-old daughter could be at the bus stop as the children were returning home for the day.  As she approached the girl and handed her the coat, she responded that it was not hers.  When told it was a gift, the young girl was most appreciative.

 

During this time of year, people in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, join with Kind at Heart Ministries to provide a gift basket or tote of items to bless the elderly, widows, widowers, and disabled in their community.  The participants are asked to provide items to warm the heart, meet a need, along with gifting the recipients with a large-print Bible or devotional book to share the Good News.  Bible study groups, business people, individuals or teams take a name and gather things like lotion, blankets, toothpaste, snacks, kitchen towels, puzzles, Kleenex, soap, lotions, lip balm, slippers, and other items that people need or want.  Closer to Christmas, the people deliver the baskets and visit with their person.  The recipients are most grateful for the visit and thoughtful gifts.  Allison Bellomy said one man last year wanted to wait until Christmas Day to look in his basket as that was the only gift he expected to receive.

 

Whether it’s individually or with a group, may we be willing to do our part to encourage and bless others, even if we need to change our schedule to do it.

 

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