It snowed last night and this morning
I cranked up the snow blower and blew out my driveway and then a path for the
letter carrier. Since I had some more
time and the snow was light, I walked across the street and blew out two more
driveways and the sidewalks for my neighbors.
As I was cleaning the blower off and
putting it away, I wondered for just a moment if they would ever thank me...
and then I realized whether they did or not didn't matter.
What I did was a kindness to them that
had cost me only a little time, money
and effort.. and this morning I had some of each.
Next, of course I wondered whether I
would do it again – if I had less time or if the snow was heavier and more
difficult to move with my little snow blower.
Would I be as kind if the next time if it was less convenient?
I don't know, but in a few days it
will snow again and I'll have a chance to find out.
What I do know is that our wonderful
God is busy dispensing kindnesses every day.
Our Lord is never too busy, the work is never too hard and there is
always plenty of time.
… and I think that often we forget to
thank God for the gracious mercy he has shown.
Perhaps we're too busy. Perhaps
we're too concerned with other things to notice. Perhaps we think God owes it to us. I hope not.
So far today the neighbors have gotten
into their cars and driven away to work and so far there have been no knocks on
the door with words of appreciation. It
still doesn't matter. It's a kindness
from God and me to neighbors who may need a little kindness in their lives and
no words of thanks are necessary.
But I hope that tonight when I head to
bed, I'll remember to thank God for my little snow blower and the good works it
can do and while I'm at it I hope I give thanks for lots of other things, too.
Easter is coming and the long Easter
weekend will begin with the cross on which Jesus gave everything. Let's all
remember to give thanks.
