“Carry each other’s burdens and you will please God." ~ Galatians
6:2
Shanice pulled a pink piggy bank
from its hiding place in her closet. She
dumped its contents onto the floor and counted it methodically. Placing the coins back in the bank, she
slipped out the back door and skipped decisively to Walgreen’s Drug Store.
She waited patiently for the pharmacist to acknowledge her. Shanice stomped her little feet and
repulsively cleared her throat to get his attention. No luck! Finally she took a quarter from her bank and
slapped it on the counter. That did it!
"Well,” she answered back, hands on hips and in the
same annoyed tone. “I need to talk to
you about my brother! "He's
really, really sick . . . and I’ve got money to buy a miracle." If it isn't enough, I’ll get the rest. Just tell me how much!"
"Come again," said the skeptical pharmacist.
"His name is Terrell and he has something bad growing
inside his head. Daddy says only a
miracle can save him now. So how much
does a miracle cost?"
"Honey,” the pharmacist said with newfound tenderness. “We don't sell miracles here. I’m afraid I can't help you."
A well dressed man waiting for his prescription overheard
the conversation and couldn’t help but ask: "What kind of a miracle does
your brother need?"
I don't know," Shanice replied, eyes welling up. "I just know he's really sick and Mommy says
he needs an operation that Daddy can't afford, so I want to use my money, all
$1.17 of it."
"Well, what a coincidence," smiled the man, "Miracles
for little brothers happen to be on sale today for $1.17. You’re in luck!"
Taking her money in one hand, he grasped her mitten and
said, "Take me to home to meet your family. Let's see if I have the miracle you
need."
That smartly dressed man turned out to be a
neurosurgeon. The operation was
completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Terrell was home again and
doing well. Shanice overheard Mom and
Daddy talking about the miraculous chain of events. "I wonder how much that surgery cost?"
her mom questioned. Shanice smiled. She knew exactly how much - $1.17, plus the love
of a faithful child.
Things happen to us that at the time seem horrible, painful
and unfair. Upon reflection, we realize
that without overcoming those obstacles, we never would have recognized our strength,
courage or potential.
Everything happens for a reason. Nothing occurs by chance or by luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true
greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of our souls.
Lord Jesus, I am my brother’s keeper! Help us who have received so freely from You,
give as freely in return, in order to enjoy both the pleasure of giving and the
happiness of receiving. Amen
