Driving Miss Ellie

“Honor will be yours if you humble yourself.”  -- Matthew 23:12

Max makes a paltry living driving a taxi  - but he’s his own boss.  Because his is the night shift, his cab is a mobile confessional of sorts.  People park themselves behind him and without prompting, tell him all about their lives.  Some make him chuckle, others make him cry.  But Ellie – now she was special!

Dispatch sent him to the low-rent district where many drivers would simply honk, wait a minute, and drive away.  But poor people depend on taxis for lots of reasons, so he walked to the door and knocked.

"Just a minute," answered a frail, elderly voice.

The door opened after a long pause.  A petite woman in her 80s appeared dressed as if for Sunday Mass. "I’m Ellie,” she whispered.

After loading her suitcase, Max assisted Ellie to his ‘chariot.’  "I try to treat my passengers the way I’d want my own Mom treated,” he beamed with a sincerity that impressed her.

She asked that they drive downtown even though it wasn’t the cheapest way to her destination.

"I'm in no hurry; I'm on my way to a hospice.”  She continued matter-of-factly, “My doctor says my end is near.”  Her misty eyes revealed sadness and fear.   Max reached over and inconspicuously shut off the meter awaiting further instructions.

For the next two hours, they criss-crossed the city.  She pointed out an abandoned ballroom where she had danced as a young girl, the building where she had once served as an elevator operator, and the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived as newlyweds.  Sometimes they’d stop in front of a nondescript building where she’d stare silently into the darkness.

As the sun began to color the horizon, she suggested, “It’s time to go now!"

Nothing more was said as they drove to the address she had given him.  Two orderlies met them as soon as they arrived, and helped Ellie into a wheelchair.

Reaching into her purse, Ellie inquired, “How much do I owe you?"

"Nothing," Max said, “It was an honor and my pleasure!”

"Dear, you gave an old woman much enjoyment tonight," she said. "Bless you!"

He bent over and gave her a hug.  She held him tightly for a brief instant.  Max squeezed her hand and walked away into the dim morning light.  Behind him, a door shut - the closing of an amazing life.

God’s blessings often catch us unaware - beautifully disguised in what others may consider insignificant.  What if Max had impatiently driven away?  God gives every bird its food, but He doesn’t throw it in its nest.  Are you making life precious – or waiting for it to be so?

 Jesus, thank you for the rich tapestry of blessed souls who have touched me, taught me, and loved me – those that I have known and those  I selfishly  ignored.  Cast away my blindness – and embrace the enormous beauty I sometimes refuse to see.  Amen

The Easter Collection

“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  -- 2 Corinthians 9: 6

Stacy (14), her Mom and two sisters, lived quite modestly.  Her father died five years earlier leaving them penniless.  A month before Easter, their Pastor announced that a special offering would be taken to help a needy family.  He implored everyone to give sacrificially.

Stacy had an idea.  They could save $20 by living on 50 pounds of potatoes for a month.  If they kept their lights off and didn't listen to the radio, they’d save money on the electric bill.  They raised extra money by cleaning houses, babysitting and ironing – all to give away!

As their funds grew, they’d gather in the dark each night and talk excitedly about how one poor family was going to enjoy having things that they themselves, might never own.  If every one of the 80 people in their congregation did the same – that lucky family would thrive.

The day before Easter 1936, Stacy exchanged their earnings for three crisp $20 bills and one $10.  She’d never held so much money before.   Excitement filled their home - they couldn’t even sleep that night. 

On Easter morning, they walked nearly a mile to church in the chilly rain.  The lack of an umbrella didn’t dampen their spirits.  They were so proud!  She didn’t care that they didn’t have new clothes for Easter; they had $70 to give away!

When the offering was taken, Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of the kids put in a $20. Never had they felt so alive – they sang and danced all the way home.

That afternoon the Pastor stopped by and gave Mom an envelope.  The envelope contained a bunch of money: precisely 3 crisp $20 bills, one $10, seventeen $1s and some change.  She stood speechless . . . Hers was the “needy” family.

Stacy felt ashamed.  They went from feeling “rich” in character to “poor” and disadvantaged.  They owned exactly two dinner knives that were passed around to whoever needed them: but, no way did they ever consider themselves underprivileged!

Silence continued well into the next week.  Embarrassment aside, Mom forced them to church the following Sunday where a Missionary talked about how his Haitian church was built from sun-dried bricks.  He still needed $100 to complete the roof.

Stacy elbowed Mom  . .  who then smiled for the first time in 7 days.  She reached into her purse and placed the envelope of donated cash in the collection plate.  Later, the Missionary announced that they had collected a little over $100.  He was grateful - he hadn't expected such a generous gift from the small church.

Wow!  thought Stacy . . . her family had donated $87 of that "little over $100." They were “rich” again.

Jesus, we are incredibly blessed this Easter.  We have no worries about food and shelter and are often surrounded by the luxuries of life!  We accept our responsibility as Christians to care for those less fortunate.  Amen

Worn, Warm Fuzzies

“A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life . . .” -- Proverbs 15:4

Every student adored Mrs. Walters!  She taught, she inspired, sometimes she even consoled.  Hers was more than a job; it was her calling.

One day she asked her class to list the names of each of the other students on several sheets of paper – leaving ample space between each name.  Next she told them to write down the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates.  They seemed to enjoy the assignment and were eager to hand in their completed work.

She sorted the comments all weekend and on Monday, Mrs. Walters smiled as she gave each student his or her individualized list of their peers’ remarks.  Before long, the entire class was beaming!  "Really?" one whispered. "I never knew that I meant much to anyone!"  "I didn't know people admired me," was also frequently overheard.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. The students graduated and eventually Mrs. Walters retired.

Years later, Cheryl, one of the students was stricken with cancer and died after a courageous battle.  Mrs. Walters tried to remember that child as a teenager.  But time passes so quickly she thought; the years all run together now.   She attended the funeral anyway, feeling a bit ashamed at her failing memories. 

 After the service, many of Cheryl’s former classmates gathered outside the church.  They invited Mrs. Walters to join them – they certainly remembered her!  Cheryl’s husband approached the group, especially eager to speak with the favored teacher.

Opening his billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped and refolded many times.  "This was in Cheryl’s Bible,” he said. “I thought you might recognize it."

It came rushing back to her now.  She knew without looking that those papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things  Cheryl’s classmates had written about her.

 “Thank you for doing that," he said. "She cherished it, especially during her illness.”

The classmates drew closer.  Charlie grinned sheepishly, "I still have my list too. It's in my top dresser drawer."  "Me too," Karyn said. "Right here in my purse; it’s always been with me!”   Laura chimed in, “OMG, we must have all saved our lists."

The simple exercise had accomplished its purpose – friendships woven tightly together like a beautiful tapestry.  Mrs. Walters reminded them of her oft-given advice:  Many people will enter and exit your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.  Use your head when controlling yourself  . . .  To handle others, use your heart.  Teaching was her life’s mission – and she was grateful for His inspiration.

Teacher – we know that life on earth is finite – it begins and it ends.  We never know when life will cease.  Help us to love with no regrets, and to express our affection for those dear to us before it’s too late.  Amen

The Officer, a Gentle Man

“Drinking is one of the attributes of a stubborn, rebellious, and disobedient child.”  -- Deuteronomy 21:20

Geoff was hammered!  He fought with his girlfriend Barb for the car keys.  A few beers – big deal!  He was certainly sober enough to drive the 10 minute route home.  There weren’t many people on the road at this time of night anyway. 

Despite her protests, Geoff got behind the wheel.   He felt fine.  His head was spinning but the fresh air invigorated him.  Barb was screaming at him to slow down, so he cranked up the tunes.  She could be such a pain sometimes.  

He smiled.  No worries . . . until he saw the flashing lights in his rear view mirror.  Holy crap!

A quick glance at the speedometer - nearly 50 in a residential area.  Too late for prayer, he’d have to ‘man up.’

The intimidating cop was stepping out of his car, a big pad in hand.  Officer Luke from church?  Geoff slouched in his seat.  Great!  A Christian cop catching a kid from his own church Youth Group.  How could this night get any worse?  

"Hello, Geoff, Hello Barb."  No smile.

"Guess you caught me red-handed Officer.  I’m done for the night, going right home now,” he mumbled timidly.

No response.  This is bad Geoff thought. 

Luke motioned politely for Geoff to step out of the car and blow into the breathalyzer.  He “blew” softly but could smell failure looming.  How humiliating.

He slumped back into his car and stared blankly at the dashboard.  Minutes crawled by as Luke continued to write, maybe multiple violations.  Geoff was scared.  Barb wept quietly.   

A tap on the door jerked his head to the open window as Luke handed him a folded paper.  "Thanks." Geoff sneered caustically.  What a jerk he thought.  This would be expensive.

Luke returned to his car without speaking.  When Geoff unfolded the paper, he sat stunned.  Was this some kind of joke?  Not a ticket – but this handwritten message:   

“My daughter was six when killed by a drunk driver.  A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free . . . free to hug all 3 of his daughters.  She was my only one.  I’m waiting until heaven before I can hug her again.  I've tried to forgive him, but I need to do it again, even tonight.  Please pray for me and be careful.  My son is all I have left.  Love in Christ, Luke"

Geoff spun around to watch Officer Luke’s patrol car disappear.  Soon they too pulled away.  As Barb drove home slowly, both of them prayed for forgiveness and thanked God for their safe return.

Life is precious – handle gently!

Forgive me Jesus, for the dumb choices I make sometimes.  I know I learn from my mistakes – I just seem to make more than others.  Thank you for loving me, and teach me the power of forgiving those who hurt me.   Stay close to me, my faithful and truest friend.  Amen

God Through the Eyes of a Child

“Dear God, maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms.  It works with my brother!”  Love Larry (age 5)

Six-year-old Liza and her four-year-old brother Robert sat together during church services. Robert giggled, sang, and talked out loud.  Finally, his big sister had enough. “You're not supposed to talk out loud in church.” She scolded.  “Who's gonna stop me?” he asked defiantly. Liza pointed to the back of the church and said, “See those two people standing by the door?  They're “hushers.”

When you look into the eyes of a child, it doesn't take a genius to see their unfettered innocence and imagination. Such inquisitive spirits!  Doesn’t it makes you wonder what their idea of God is like?

Remarkably, children believe in God despite what their eyes can’t see.  You’d think that this concept would be too complicated for them to grasp.  But kids ‘see’ God constantly - everywhere in everything. 

For example, they pick bright yellow flowers for Mom and white puffy stuff you can blow wishes upon.  Adults see dandelions that are going to ruin their yards.

When we look at an old drunk and he smiles at us, we see a foul smelling, filthy person who probably wants a hand out.  We look away.  Kids see somebody smiling at them and smile right back.

Adults listen self-consciously to strange music they can’t sing.  Young people feel the beat and move to it.  They sing the lyrics energetically – and if they don't know the words, they make up their own.

Mud puddles – grown-ups think grubby shoes and dirty carpets.  Kids sit and stomp in them!  In their world, mud is for painting, and building and maybe breaking a few rules.  Do you suppose God gave us children to teach or to learn from?

Mature-types like me pray “Hail Mary . . . , or Our Father . . . “Kids say, "Hey God!  I think of You even when I’m not praying.  Thanks for my toys and my friends.  Please keep the bad dreams away tonight.  Sorry for any goof ups today!  Later."        

No wonder God loves little people!  They live each day as if it were the only one that ever mattered.

Whether we are children or were once children, we are all Children of God.  We seem so anxious for our children to grow up.  Perhaps we should try growing “down” - to chill, to smell the dandelions, to frolic in the rain.  For them we should model the future just as they are the perfect reminders of our past.  What a blessing for today!

God of all children – help us to live BODLY - to enjoy the little things in life, for one day we may look back and realize they were the BIG things. Remind us of how we used to be, fun loving and carefree.  Help us to see the world through the eyes of our inner child.”   Amen

The Bowling Shoes

“If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return.”  -- Luke 6:38

This is not so much a story about bowling as it is ‘bawling.’  Angela’s daughter has special needs.  Aside from the normal teen issues, she deals with a few unique ones as well – like how much to protect her daughter, Jennifer, due to her disabilities.

Jennifer’s condition stirs a plethora of emotions in Angela.  Occasionally beset with confusion and doubts about the future, she reminds herself that her worst moments with Jennifer are infinitely better than not having her at all. On better days, her heart rejoices at life’s small but incremental successes.

Two friends from church invited Jennifer to go bowling.  What wonderfully sweet, unselfish girls!  They seem to genuinely love time with Jennifer and she adores them right back!

Angela was reticent about the excursion.  On one hand, she pictured Jennifer picking up her bowling ball, aiming carefully and throwing a strike.  Her arms raised in victory, she high-fives her cheering teammates, and makes her way through an admiring crowd of family and friends, stopping to hug every one of them. 

On the other hand, there are many ways this could go wrong.  Were they good drivers?  Could they handle other kids who might poke fun of Jennifer?  What if she injured herself bowling?   

This was a rite of passage for Jennifer, one that she needed to experience!  Still, it didn’t calm her fear or settle her growing anxiety.

On the day of the big event, Angela was more emotional than usual.  "She can't tie her own shoes,” she wept.  How humiliating it will be for her friends to tie them for her.  Maybe this whole thing was a bad idea!

As she left with her friends, Jennifer seemed to walk just a few inches taller.  Upon returning home several hours later, Angela allowed her some quiet time alone.  Sensing Angela’s fretfulness, Jennifer declared matter-of-factly “Mary tied my shoes!”   Jennifer went on, "She was really nice about it!  They also taught me how to bowl – it was really fun Mom!”

Angela’s heart soared.  She pictured Jesus the last time he was with all his disciples.  Out of love he taught them one final lesson in humility, by washing their feet.  These girls don't feel better than Jennifer just because they can tie their shoes!  Like Jesus - they help her out of love!  Tears filled her eyes – no longer tears of fear and agony, but rather those of deep faith!  They help her . . . but she helps them too, in their walk with Christ.  Love given . . . is the only love kept!

Father - We live to serve You and each other.  Give me the tools, the wisdom, and the patience to be the best friend I can be.  Give those with special needs, the ABILITIES they require to learn life’s lessons and the tenacity to apply them.  Open my heart to wonderful new possibilities and rewarding companionships. Amen

It's a Boomerang World

“If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return.”  -- Luke 6:38

Toshiki’s day started out like nearly all others.  He enjoyed a quick breakfast with his children, quizzing them each briefly about their studies.  He kissed his wife of 13 years and left for work.

His work was vital, but mostly routine . . . until the earthquake, then the tsunami, and the catastrophe at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant where he worked. 

It happened without warning.  The earthquake knocked out power.  The enormous wall of water damaged the backup generators – without electricity to operate cooling pumps, the boiling fuel exploded and radiation discharges fouled drinking  water, fresh produce , and industrial goods. 

Toshiki had a bigger problem though!  He had been overexposed to lethal doses of radiation.  It’s no longer a question of ‘if’, but rather ‘when’ and ‘how mercifully’ he will die.   Still he prays for a miracle.

A small group of heroes like Toshiki, work around the clock in bulky suits amid plumes of radioactive steam to keep the plant’s reactors from spreading more contaminants over his beloved Japanese countryside.

He doesn’t think of himself as a brave man.  Battlefield troops – those are the real heroes!  They put themselves in danger.  So were those fearless souls who entered the Trade Center towers on 9/11.

Sadness crushes him at times.  He recalls the happiest times with his young children: bedtime stories, sing-along songs, afternoons in the park. Oh the joy of entertaining them by flinging the boomerang he had learned to throw while studying in Australia.    It always comes back to you.

Life is like that he thinks!  If you smile at someone, they will likely smile back. If you're kind toward someone, they’ll usually return the favor.

Of course, this also works in the opposite direction.  If you get angry at somebody, they’ll usually get angry with you too.  If you complain to a person, they’re prone to compete with you to see who is more miserable.  Although Jesus could turn water into wine . . . not even He could turning whining into much of anything.

So Toshiki accepts his fate with God-loving humility.  He knows that his selfless deeds will someday circle around and land right back at someone else’s feet – maybe to inspire them to lead courageously - like Jesus did. 

Brother and sisters, only you can choose what to throw out into the world.  If you want more joy - throw it out there.  If you want more happiness - pitch some happiness to someone else and watch it miraculously come back to you.  It even works with money.  Need money?  Give some away and watch your wealth grow.

Hey God – you watched me again, put myself ahead of others.  How many times do I have to learn that when I plant a seed, I don’t get just one seed back, but hundreds – maybe thousands in return?  Teach me one more time – I’ll try not to forget this time.

When the Devil Knocks . . .

“You should not steal.”  -- Exodus 20:15

Jenna slipped the bracelet into her jeans and walked triumphantly past the checkout counter.  Even though the crime she just committed made her jumpy, she was too good at shoplifting to get caught.

She steals inexpensive stuff not because she needs to.   She steals partly because she loves the adrenaline rush and because her friends dare each other to do it.  It’s fun to claim “victories” and brag about their petty heists.  Today they would initiate Valerie into their “club.”

Valerie knew this was wrong.  The thought of taking anything that wasn’t hers made her nauseous.  But Jenna and her friends were so cool, so confident . . . so popular!  Val just wanted to fit in.  Big stores wouldn’t miss a few cheap items anyway.

They split up after they entered Wal-Mart.  Her heart felt like it would beat right out of her chest.  What if she got caught?  She froze.  Guilt quickly overpowered her and she chickened out. 

They all laughed at her but Jenna admitted to having done the same thing her first time.  There would be other chances – this had become a weekly ritual.

Val was conflicted.  Like most teens, fitting in was important – but so was personal integrity.  She’d seek her Grandfather’s advice.  He was a great listener.  He never judged her.  He gave inspiring advice!

She left no details out in explaining her dilemma to him.  How lucky she was to have someone who loved her so compassionately.  He listened intently – his eyes never left hers.  Finally she asked the crucial question, “Grandfather, what should I do?”

Pensively, he closed his eyes and then said, "Young girl, your struggle is like the battle between two wolves.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, greed, self-pity, guilt, deceit, false pride and superiority.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, generosity, empathy, truth, compassion and faith."

She thought for a minute.  "Which wolf wins?" she asked.

The wise old man smiled and replied simply, "The one you feed."

Brilliant she thought, and knew exactly what to do next.  Without delay she returned to Wal-Mart and emptied her purse on an empty checkout counter – partial payment for the merchandise her friends had taken.  It didn’t cover all the damage – but it was a good down payment!  She’d suggest to them that, “When Satan knocks at your door, simply say, Jesus, could You please get that for me?"  For a kleptomaniac, shaking the shoplifting bug can take more than a prayer – but it’s a good start.

Forgive me [again] Father. I can’t count the number of times I’ve asked you to take me back.  Then I just walk away again. There are lots of ways I’ve let you down.  I need You to take control of my life.  And help me realize those people in my life: Who matter, Who never did, and Who always will.  Amen.