Being Considerate of the Needs of Others

When I pulled into the gas station there was simply something about a gentleman standing at the pump. But I didn't know what. I jumped out of my car to pop in for a Naked berry smoothie. I had just done a two hour intense workout and I was drained. As I was in line, he came in. I walked away from the line and then came back. Out of his pocket he withdrew a fist full of change.

"Should I lay it on the counter," he asked the attendant. "There are eight dollars here."

"No," she said. "Give it to me. I'll count it. But wait right there though."

As the attendant counted mostly dimes and nickles and a few quarters, they seem to sparkle. They were so clean. Shortly thereafter his wife came in and gave him a gentle hug, but not before giving more change.

"Here, I found another dollar," said the wife, lovingly caressing her husband's shoulders, handing the change to the attendant, and stepping back out quickly.

"Please give the change back to him," I said. "If you don't mind sir, I'd like to fill up your gas tank today."

"Really? You would?" he asked.

Yes, sir," I said, making sure to put that particular handle on his name again. Not being able to adequately provide for your family must be humiliating.

"Thank you so very much," he said. "May God richly bless you."

I waited for them to fill their van up. It took some time. My car is smaller.

"They must be on e flat," the attendant said.

"That's okay," I responded.

"Look," said the attendant, "he's crying."

After paying for the gas, I thought of how I might leave the station without running into them to avoid a sense of obligation. But that didn't work. They were both coming in my direction with tears streaming down their faces.

"We just asked God if he could provide a means for us to get to prayer," the wife said. "God answered our prayers."

She gave me a big hug and thanked me profusely. I mentioned that there is no other reason for our existence on the planet, save to be a help to one another.

"Do you have little ones?" I asked.

"Yes, the husband said. "We have four. Two are in the van."

"Beautiful. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," I quoted.

"Amen," they responded.

"Now, Father, we ask you to bless our dear sister 100 fold," he said. "Whatever her needs are, meet them. It's done."

There was a big group hug. When I got into my car I wept. Let's always be sure to consider the needs of others. In doing so we are blessed.

Being Compassionate

This image of Demi Moore and Susan Sarandon's recent trip to Haiti is very moving.



Let us be compassionate toward each other, especially toward children.

Being Homeless Children

During this financial crisis let's not forget the children. On CNN this morning I saw a segment where 75% of kids in a school in Nevada are homeless and came to school hungry until the principal, Sherrie Gahn, changed things. She turned things around through private and public partnerships where the children not only get meals but clothes, shoes and haircuts. There is even a birthday party once a month for all of the children who have birthdays where there is pizza, presents, and loads of fun. The parents participate by volunteering for various progams. During this incredible difficult time for many families, let's not forget these in and around our communities. We can make a difference. Let's do whatever we can.

Being a Giver III

"You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it."

--Albert Schweitzer










We are most blessed to have such a First Family.

Happy Thanksgiving!