“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
I recently read about a woman who had breast cancer. She decided that each day she would keep a gratitude journal and list five things for which she was grateful. That inspired me to find something every day, to be thankful for as I go through health issues. I knew there would be times I wouldn’t feel like writing in my journal like I so often do, but I could converse with the Lord through prayer and say thank You. I’d like to share one of the things I was grateful for this week.
I had a couple of doctor appointments back to back. I am away getting medical care, and the hospital I am dealing with has transportation to and from the hospital, and any doctor’s office affiliated with them. My transportation home last week was with a man named Tony. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and not only did I not feel well, but I was depressed too.
Tony was an interesting man. He grew up in Tennessee, in a small town in Appalachia. He had an interesting career that allowed him to travel abroad. He talked of his family and his mom’s banana pudding. After she passed away, he missed that pudding and couldn’t duplicate it from any recipe found. One day he decided from memory to try and make the pudding. He was successful and now shares the banana pudding with friends and relatives.
Tony went on to talk about his dad, Oliver. I got the feeling his dad was a special man to him. After Tony’s mom passed away, Oliver put a lot of love into his garden. He sold his vegetables and eggs by car to friends and neighbors. When his eyesight began to fail and he could no longer drive, a very caring person in his community stepped up to help sell his produce; his mail carrier.
Living in a rural area, the mail carrier, drove his personal car, when delivering mail. He would pick up Oliver’s produce, put it in the back seat, and sell Oliver’s vegetables and eggs, as he delivered the mail. This went on for many years. Over the years, four different mail carriers delivered Oliver’s produce.
I am reminded of the parable of “The Good Samaritan,” about a Samaritan who helped a Jew who was beaten and left to die on the side of the road while others passed him by. I write a lot about helping others. Think how great this world would be if people helped each other. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38 (NIV)
The four mail carriers that sold Oliver’s produce over the years are great examples of loving and helping others. “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 (NIV)
That day I was grateful for having Tony as my driver. My day turned from feeling down and out to gratitude for Tony and his story. The story gave me something to think about other than feeling sorry for myself. It showed there are some very caring people in this world willing to step up and help. What we say or do for others may not seem like a big deal at the time, but you just may have blessed someone in ways you couldn’t imagine. I felt blessed.
Prayer
Lord, You have taught us, time and time again, that helping others and being grateful for every little thing, is what You want for us. You don’t have to have money or be physically and emotionally well, to help those in need. A kind word, a big smile, and in this case, a story, can impact a person in ways you may never know. Remember others, not only in their time of need but always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by: Laurie Davis
- Be Grateful for Everything - December 1, 2024
- Mrs. Jameson and Detour - November 25, 2024
- An Angel in the Night - November 20, 2024
