Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I
was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you
invited me in 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked
after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous
will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and
give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you
in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison
and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you
did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for
me.’
It was 1993 and Dianne, a manager for a London, Ontario
business, took a leave of absence to welcome her first child into the world.
She lived in a nice apartment, worked at a job she loved, had a husband who
cared about her and now excitedly set about to live the beautiful dream with
their baby daughter.
Dreams die and within eight months Dianne found herself
frightened and threatened. She fled to a Women’s Shelter taking her baby and a
bag of baby clothes.
When she was able to safely return to her home, her
estranged spouse had taken everything of value. Gone were all the photos of the
past eight years of her life. The furniture had been taken, including the
lovely baby furniture, silverware, bedding, tea kettle, everything.
Dianne suddenly found herself destitute, and because a
number of the items her estranged husband left with were on credit cards in
Dianne’s name she was now deeply in debt, without a job, or a home.
As Christmas approached things were bleak for Dianne.
Not far away, a group of bank employees were puzzling
over their own dilemma. They were searching for a way to make their own
Christmas more meaningful and had decided they needed to help someone.
A marvelous caseworker looked through her files and knew
this bank group could be just the right match to give service to Dianne and her
baby. So a phone call was made and Dianne was asked if she would consider
allowing an unnamed group of employees provide her with Christmas gifts. Dianne
responded she would be appreciative of anything they gave her.
She was then asked about her favorite perfume and if she
had towels and the clothing sizes of herself and her toddler. The
representative asked her if she could name anything in particular that she
really wanted. Since she did not have a vacuum cleaner, pots and pans, ironing
board or a dozen other items we might consider basic, it was a simple chore to
provide a request. Dianne said above all else she would really like a tea
kettle for herself and any kind of toy for the baby that could come apart and
be put back together again.
Gaining insight from the representative and taking the
request into consideration, the employees made their decisions. They supplied
the basics and then went overboard. Among the gifts was a lovely tailored new
green suit for Dianne. Tears filled Dianne's eyes as she took in the lovely
array of presents and joy filled the small apartment that Christmas as they
opened the many gifts!
Each time she wears the green suit her face lights up
with the memories and good feelings she had toward the employees of a branch of
Canada Trust. She smiles and remembers the beautiful story of how she received
the suit!
The bank employees were not there to see the lovely
smile, a direct result of their actions. They never met Dianne or the baby, yet
their gesture of good will in December of 1993 was still rippling out as Dianne’s
story is read even 2012. The ripples we make, every action, every word of ours
can affect people around us.
We are each capable of changing the world around us!
God blesses us as we share positive news between one
another. The harmony of the universe increases, with each random act of
kindness, with each simple or tiny good deed, with every act of heroism!
May we each endeavor this Christmas season to do service
for others with every opportunity! Whether we are sharing a warm friendly
smile, opening a door for another human being, slowing to allow another car
into our lane, or giving a homeless person a blanket, we are making a positive
difference in this world and the ripples will reach far and wide and will
continue and continue.
Dear Lord we pray today that we would strive to make positive
ripples. Help the things we say and do bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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