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We never know what trials and tribulations others are going through and as
children of the Most High God we should be quick to help and give a word
of encouragement when we see the need for it. The Lord Jesus Christ calls
us the children of light. We are commanded to unburden those who are
downtrodden and lift up those who have no strength to stand on their own.
We simply need to think of how we would want others to help us if we were
in need and apply that same love and hope towards those who do need what
we can provide. The Lord has promised that every act done in His name
will bring forth a proper reward. We don't do good deeds simply to be
praised, but because we do, the Lord is proud of us and promises to bless
us in kind. Be encouraged to lend a helping hand when you see the
opportunity. You will benefit more than the recipient simply by knowing
you helped to make a bad situation a little better.
I hope this message ministers to your heart to never judge or condemn
anyone. All of us face different trials in life and need to be shown love
and acceptance and told that it's not as bad as it seems right now.
A BAG OF KINDNESS
“Class, tomorrow I want you all to bring a cup of macaroni for our crafts
class, okay? Now go on out there and enjoy the day.”
These words from my second grade teacher at the end of the day echoed in
my mind all evening. I was dreading the next day because I knew we
wouldn't have any macaroni at home. Living in an alcoholic environment, we
never had too much of anything laying around our house except beer bottles.
I trudged home after school with my mind working overtime. Where would I
find macaroni? I knew that the local bottle depot at the edge of town gave
twenty cents for a case of beer bottles so I decided that I would collect
some bottles and maybe I could buy a small box that evening at our local
corner store.
When I got home I started collecting the bottles and before long I had a
nice pile in the back of my wagon. I started off to the bottling depot
with my little brother Able in tow. We had a mission and no one would stop us.
When we arrived at the depot they counted our bottles and gave me the
eighty cents. I felt very wealthy and as we walked back into town Able was
bouncing up and down asking to see the money. I showed him several times
then asked him to get in the wagon so I could pull him. Truth be known I
just wanted to enjoy feeling those coins in my pocket and I didn't mind
pulling him as the price for this little freedom.
We got to the corner store and entered to the smell of fresh bread baking
in the back. I think we must have looked like we had rabies the way our
mouths were watering. Able looked at me and at once I knew I would be
going to school the next day with no macaroni.
We bought two loaves of bread and two jelly doughnuts (which we ate on the
way home). When we arrived, there was the usual party going on upstairs so
we gathered my other siblings and went to the basement where we shared the
bread with some strawberry jam.
We all fell asleep with Johnny Paycheck booming from the ceiling above
that night.
The next day as craft class neared I began to think about the macaroni
again. I was in anguish as the teacher asked why I didn't have any macaroni.
“Weren't you listening when I asked you all to bring it John?” She asked
sternly.
I was mortified, I didn't know what to say and as the other children
started laughing, out of nowhere this little girl Rosalyn who sat beside
me turned to me and said “Here you can have some of mine.” The way she
said it, so nice, and the kindness in her eyes made me start to cry. I ran
from the room in shame.
I never did take her macaroni or thank her for the offer. I couldn't speak
to her again because I was sure I would see my own shame mirrored in her eyes.
I often think about Rosalyn and the way she turned to save me that day. I
spent a great deal of my life letting the bricks of anger, hurt and
rejection wall me in. I kept good people like Rosalyne out and surrounded
myself with the kinds of people who I thought I was.
I eventually did see that and I have changed my life. My own daughter is
eight now and I have had the opportunity to send her to school with her
own little bag of macaroni. I wrapped it up with a heavy heart that
morning thinking of those turbulent days past. I thought of Rosalyn and
the little gift she tried to share with me and I give a silent prayer of
thanks for all the people like her that make this world a better place to
live in.
By John Gaudet
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Colossians 3:23-25 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of
the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong
shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of
persons.”
Romans 12:4 “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that
is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;
but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure
of faith.”
Luke 6:35-36 Jesus declares “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and
lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye
shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful
and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”
2 Timothy 4:6-8 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my
departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at
that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: I'M JUST TOO BUSY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem150.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: MADE STRONG THROUGH WEAKNESS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony183.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
