Sometimes hearing or seeing the unexpected can be thought provoking, inspirational, challenging, admirable, and cause us to want to do and be better.
Recently, on a cold and wet day, an observer noticed that dirty blankets were scattered all over the ground where some homeless people had slept the night before. A man was gathering the blankets and putting them in a trash bag. When walking by the next day, it was obvious that the blankets had been cleaned, folded, and were ready to be used again, all because someone took the time to do the unexpected.
A couple had stopped to get gas for their car. The husband noticed two boys about to fill their lawnmower. He motioned them over to the pump he was using and filled the mower. Afterwards, he gave the boys money and asked them to mow the lawn for an elderly person, for free, and then to treat themselves to ice cream.
Danny Pineda was waiting to pay for his groceries. As requested, he was six feet back from the person who was checking out. A man, seeming to not even notice Pineda, cut in front of him in line. Danny just stayed the six feet back and chose not to say anything. When checking out, the man reached in his back pocket, pulled out a note pad, and realized he did not have his wallet. That’s when Pineda did the unexpected. He stepped up and paid for the man’s groceries. The recipient was most grateful. As Pineda stepped up to the register, the cashier responded, “He cut you off and you paid for his groceries. Why?” Pineda answered, “I hope that if one day my Dad forgets his wallet someone will step up and buy his milk and cookies.”
Mart Hanna worked for the Houston Police Department for almost 30 years. Upon his retirement, he and his wife, Pat, moved to Kerrville, Texas, where he was an active member of the church and community. On December 14, 2020, while walking his dog, our dear friend, Mart, was shot and killed by his neighbor, a retired U.S. Customs officer. At his funeral, his son, Sam, spoke about his amazing dad. He recalled inspiring stories and examples of the ways Mart loved Jesus, his family, and others. For a few years now, Mart would call Sam on Wednesday mornings and they would have a Bible Study together before Sam went to work. The investments Mart made in the lives he touched will continue to have a positive impact. Then Sam closed his remarks with these unexpected words.
“My family would like to personally thank each and every one of you that have been prayer warriors and lifted us up in your thoughts and prayers over this last month. As you continue to do this, please don’t forget to say a prayer for the man who took my father’s life and for his salvation, for there is still time for him on this earth to come to know the Love and Forgiveness of Christ. In a world that teaches hatred, my family and I will choose love. In a world that harbors anger, my family and I will choose joy. In a world that seeks revenge, my family and I will choose forgiveness.”
May we, too, be willing to do the unexpected in ways that bring honor and glory to God and bless others in the process.
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”
Matthew 5:41
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
