Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Food For Thought......

My work keeps me busy but it is a nice to have a job that gives me the opportunity to enhance the quality of individuals lives on a daily basis. I am blessed.

I came home tonight after a very long and productive day at work and found a most inspiring article in my mail box. I faintly remember receiving this a really long time ago. And even having received it before, I still found it very touching. I would like to share it with you as somewhat of a devotion. When reading it, keep in mind it only takes a small effort on our part to make a hugh difference in another life. Most people want to do well and don't want to have to ask for help. But stepping over your pride is often the hardest part, God will take care of the rest. Step up and do your part to help those in need.

Enjoy the article.

Food For Thought

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.

Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."

John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?"

Louise replied, "Yes sir."

"O.K" he said, "put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it."

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more..

The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
"Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands."

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store.

The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said: "It was worth every penny of it ..

Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs."

So, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive.

Quote for the day: The best things in life aren't things. unknown

God Bless You!

1 comment:

Judith said...

Thank you so much for this story. As I read it I tried figuring out who of them in the store I should pray for, and decided, even though I didn't want to, I should ask God to help that uncaring man. God will take care of the lady who was so poor, but if I had to choose between a small purse, or an uncaring heart, I'd take the empty purse. Thank God for people like the man who paid the bill.

Oh, and a big P. s., I hope your new job is going well.