Doing the Extra

 

Heavy rains hit Pearland, Texas last week, leaving shoppers at H-E-B stranded. Realizing that the rain was not expected to end any time soon, three of the young employees grabbed the big umbrellas and began escorting customers to their car and unloading the groceries for them.

Ethan McDonald, Bryce Benton, and Nathan Harbin, 8th and 9th graders, are members of First Presbyterian Church in Douglasville, Georgia. In early August, the church hosted their annual “First Presence Work Day,” to serve the people in their community. The three young men volunteered to work with the “Sleep in Heavenly Peace Team” that built 32 bunk beds for children in foster care or in need. Many of the recipients were sleeping on the floor and would now have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

 

Wednesday morning, Chamara Madhusanka was pulled over by a Tennessee State Trooper. Inquiring why the two young boys in the back seat were not in car seats, Chamara handed over papers and explained that she had just picked up the boys to foster. They came with no extra clothes, coats, toys, or car seats. After getting her phone number, Officer Tidwell sent her on her way. Later that morning, Chamara met Officer Tidwell at Waverly. He and his wife had purchased gifts for the two young boys and even items for their older brother.

 

Amanda Taylor and her 4-year-old son, Gage were at Dollar Tree shopping for party favors for his 4th birthday. Looking on a bottom shelf, Gage noticed a dollar and excitedly showed it to his mom. Amanda quickly told Gage that they needed to turn it in. Then she noticed a note that was attached: “Please enjoy this random act of kindness.” Mother and son talked about how happy the act of kindness made Gage. They decided they wanted to make people happy, too. Gage decided cookies would be great. They purchased the treat, with the dollar, and a few more. On the way home, they stopped at houses, put the cookies by the door, rang the doorbell, and ran, so their gift could be a surprise.

 

As we serve the Lord, may we all be willing to do the extra to help carry the load and brighten someone else’s day.

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24