Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

 

During lunch on Easter Sunday, a delivery truck driver dropped off a package at the Bonow house. The family quickly put together a plate of food and their oldest son, Elijah, ran it out to the man to let him know he was thought of and appreciated.

Mr. Wade had finished a long day at work and headed home. As he pulled up into the driveway, he noticed the young boy, that lived across the street, was playing with his red firetruck. Mr. Wade walked across the street, greeted Roman, and sat down on the sidewalk to play and visit for a few minutes. Roman’s mom watched from the front yard and commented, “My boy doesn’t need a lot. Then there are moments like this when someone chooses to stop, to sit, to stay. And somehow, Mr. Wade always does.”

 

In a conversation, Lou Holtz once told Kristin West, “When I would recruit, I’d go into the player’s house and see how he treated his mother.”  

 

Arun Pandit tells the story about Jim, a retired football player. He had come to a point where it was time to move out of his house and into an assisted living place. He chose to stay in the same city, even though none of his children lived close by. After moving in, Jim’s ritual became to walk across the street to Starbucks, at 3:00 every afternoon, and purchase a coffee and blueberry muffin. The baristas loved him. They would write notes, jokes, and encouraging messages on his cups and bags. One day Jim missed coming in so one of the young men made his order and walked it across the street to where he lived. With tears in her eyes, the receptionist let him know Jim had passed away the night before. The Starbucks team was saddened with the news. The next day, Jim’s daughter came in and thanked the baristas for being family to him and invited them to his funeral. The afternoon manager made arrangements so they could all go. When the Starbucks employees arrived at the service, they were surprised to see three tables displaying the cups, notes, and bags they had written messages on for Jim. They truly were like family to him.

 

May we, too, show up and make an impact on those around us.

 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11