Worth the Time and Effort

 

Justin and his friends had a decision to make. Due to religious beliefs, a boy in their class was not allowed to dress up for Halloween. Not wanting their classmate to be left out, seven students dressed as Secret Service agents and let their classmate come as the President.

For over 10 years, Charlie Hicks, 78, ate lunch and dinner at the Shrimp Basket in Pensacola, Florida. He became family to the staff and chefs. When Charlie missed a few days, chef Donell Stallworth drove to his apartment to check on him. No one opened the door, but Donell heard a faint voice calling from inside. He was able to get in the door and found Charlie lying on the floor. The chef immediately called for help. Charlie had two broken ribs and was severely dehydrated. When he was ready to be discharged from the hospital, the staff and chefs helped Charlie move into the apartments next door to the restaurant, so they could check up on him.

 

Ed Moseley, 86, lives in a retirement community. The staff and residents joined a challenge to make tiny hats for newborns. Even though he had never knitted, the retired engineer wanted to participate. Ed asked his daughter to purchase the beginning supplies: a loom kit, yarn, and tools. After a few attempts, Mr. Moseley made a hat he was pleased with. The retirement community, friends, and family contributed 300 tiny hats, with Ed making 55. They gifted them to the neonatal intensive care unit at Northside Hospital in Atlanta. Ed then made larger hats for his grandchildren.

 

To help clean up litter, Dave Jordan uses a powerful magnet to fish out trash in River Nene in England. One day he was joined by teenager Ryan Davenport. As they removed trash, Ryan pulled out a sealed blue metal case, with an Exemplary Service Medal for 32 years of dedicated service with the Northamptonshire Police Department. It had Geoffrey’s name and badge number on it. With the help of his family, Ryan was able to locate the officer’s family and made plans to return the medal. The award had been stolen from Geoffrey’s home the previous year. Although he was dealing with Alzheimer’s, Geoffrey’s face lit up when he was presented with his treasured medal and case.

 

May we, too, take the time and make the effort to help and encourage others.

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12