Daniel Miller, his siblings, and cousins surprised their grandparents last week. One by one the young adult grandkids showed up at their home with sleeping bags, ingredients for homemade pizzas, snacks, and arts and crafts activities. All 8 “cousins” wanted to spend cherished time with their grandparents, like they did when they were younger.
The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes to win the Big Ten Championship. Reporters raced to interview quarterback Fernando Mendoza and receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Both young men made it a point to thank Jesus Christ for the victory, for the strength he gave them, and for the opportunity. They wanted to make sure that He was first to receive the glory and attention.
Martha, a 73-year-old cashier, has worked at Food Mart since 1998. She has a pickle jar, with quarters in it, at her station. Any time a customer pays with food stamps or vouchers, Martha quietly adds a quarter to the jar. A coworker asked her what was with the quarters and she replied, “Counting my blessings.” Martha grew up with parents who needed food stamps so her family could eat. There were times the cashier was rude and made a big deal about her parents needing assistance. That’s when Martha decided she would not treat people disrespectfully. She usually adds three to four quarters a shift. After several months there was $140 in the jar. One morning a mother, with two toddlers, was checking out when her EBT card was declined due to insufficient funds. She began pulling items to leave behind. That’s when Martha stopped her, quietly opened the pickle jar, counted out the amount needed, and told the woman, “Ma’am, looks like you’ve got store credit.” The woman replied that she didn’t but Martha quietly whispered, “You do now. Take your groceries. Feed those babies.” A stock boy witnessed the event and word soon spread about Martha’s kindness. Soon five other cashiers had a pickle jar at their station. Before long, the manager added a large donation jar by the store entrance and labeled it, “Martha’s Quarters.” People in need are now helped without drawing attention to their situation. Martha’s idea has now spread to seventeen stores in three states.
As we begin a new year, may we also find ways to be salt and light.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
