From the Mouths of Babes
When is the last time you went out of your way to do something kind for a friend? Tonya’s neighbor boy reminds us that we should have child-like spirits …
It’s Better to Give than to Receive
By Tonya Nash
One warm summer’s day, I stood outside watering my front yard. We hadn’t purchased a sprinkler yet, so I had to do it the old-fashioned way and use the water hose. It was so dry that it seemed like the grass was sucking up the water quicker than it would come out of the hose.
All of a sudden I heard a little voice say, “Hello!”
I turned around and saw a friendly-looking little boy who looked like he was about 8 years old. I didn’t answer right away because he’d slightly startled me as I’d been off in my own world.
“I’m going to my friend’s house,” he said. “I’m going to give him one of these!” He held up two packs of handi-snacks. “I don’t know if he likes these or not, but I’m going to share one with him.”
“That’s very nice of you,” I said. “I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”
The little boy went on his way and I moved to the other side of the house. About 5 minutes later, the little boy came back.
With a very sad voice, he said, “He wasn’t home.”
“Well, maybe you can go back and see him later.”
“My mom will only let me go one time. I really wanted to share this handi-snack with him.” The boy hung his head.
He’s so sweet, I thought to myself. “You should get your friend’s phone number and call him so you can be sure he is home before you visit him,” I said.
“Okay!” He perked up. “See you later!”
This young boy really made an impression on me. He was kind and gentle and he desired to be a blessing to his friend. It made me wonder, When the last time was that I actually went out of my way to be a blessing to someone?
Our gift to others, no matter how small it seems to us, can make a person’s day. And when we bless others, they aren’t the only ones that receive the blessing. Make the effort. Go out of your way today to do something kind for someone else.
Luke 6:38 KJV – Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.