Just like God (Acts
Fred V. Alias authored a book concerning people
in his corporation, Holiday Inn hotels. One of the people he writes about is
named Rick, saying that "he is one of those people who make you proud to
be a member of the human race." On a personal note, that's quite a
compliment - but I know of one even greater - keep reading!
Rick is a shift leader at one of their hotels, manning the Front Desk. One
blustery, November day, Rick was enjoying a day off, browsing through garage
sales and thrift stores. At one stop, he caught bits of a conversation between
a mother and her little girl. The child begged her mother to buy an old,
dilapidated doll house for $15. The mother, struggling to maintain some
dignity, reminded the little girl that they only had money for a coat. But the
little girl kept begging. She promised she wouldn't even let herself feel the
cold if she could only have the doll house. The mother's eyes welled with tears
- as I am sure some of yours are also - buut she hastily paid for the stained,
ragged coat and left. As an aside, are we not all amazingly blessed?!
Totally on impulse, Rick hopped into his car and discreetly followed them to a
run-down house. He noted their address and quickly drove back to the thrift
shop to buy the doll house. On another personal note, I would like to think
that I might do the same as this hotel manager up to this point. As you read
on, you will discover how far he was willing to go. I can't help but think that
I would have been satisfied in giving much less of a gift. After all, don't we
all sometime soothe our consciences with the adage, "It's the thought that
counts?"
This modern day Good Samaritan gathered paint, fabric, and tools and proceeded
to "renovate" the dilapidated doll house. He even wallpapered the
kitchen. Six weeks later, the doll house sparkled. It was now a colorful dream
home, complete with miniature furnishings. Something even Santa could not
improve upon.
In the cold, gray dawn of December 25th, Rick loaded his treasure into his car
and drove over to the little girl's house. Gently clearing the snow from the
front steps he then carefully placed the doll house (wrapped only with a big
red bow and letter from Santa) at the front door.
Not wanting to embarrass the family, he quietly drove away and spent the rest
of his Christmas morning as Manager on Duty at the Hotel. (Adapted
from WITHOUT RESERVATIONS, Pennsylvania: Haddon Craftsmen, Inc., 1992, pp.
73-75.)
Wow, I can see how Rick makes others proud to be
a member of the human race. As someone once advised, if you want to make
yourself happy for the rest of your life, do a good deed for someone and don't
tell anyone. You'll have a smile every time you reminisce.
In Acts 20:35, Paul echoes the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give
than to receive." Why? Is it because we are in a more financially blessed
situation? Doubtful. Is it because there is a
child-like selflessness in giving? Possibly. Could it
be there is a maternal or paternal love in providing? Perhaps.
But personally, I believe Acts 17:25 reveals the answer: “nor is He served by
human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people
life and breath and all things.” Why is it more blessed to give than to
receive? In giving we imitate the very nature of God. In giving, we become like
God. “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16).
American holidays, individual celebrations, and even unexpected situations, all
give us opportunities to do good to others. And we shouldn't limit those being
blessed by us to our friends and family. Carefully read the following
scripture. Don't glance and gloss over it because you already know what it says
- that's something I am often guilty of. RRead to be changed…
Luke 6:27-36 - “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those
who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
[29] Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes
away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. [30] Give to everyone
who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
[31] Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. [32] If you love
those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who
love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that
to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you
expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in
order to receive back the same amount. [35] But love your enemies, and do good,
and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you
will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil
men. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
What are we going to do to make others think that we make them proud to be part
of the human race? Or, how about even a greater and grander compliment: people
“of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews
Perry D. Hall