A Simple Act 
He stood outside of church each Sunday, a stack of what appeared to be his belongings by his side. I didn't know anything about him, but I often gave my granddaughter money to give to him as we left. She always walked away beaming because of the kind way he responded to her gift.
We had a huge snow that year, and the roads and sidewalks weren't cleared for quite some time. Casey and I were sitting in our usual spot in church (as we Catholics tend to do) when he walked in and sat beside us. Although I had come to expect to see him each Sunday, it was the first time I had seen him inside the church. As he removed his overcoat, I noticed that he was wearing a well-worn suit jacket (his Sunday best, perhaps). There were salt stains almost up to the knees of his pants. I imagined that he had spent time that cold week trudging through the snow.
If he sang or participated in the liturgy, I didn't hear him. But when it came time for the collection, something inspiring happened. As my granddaughter passed the basket to him, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter. Casey's eyes widened as he dropped it in the basket. As young as she was, she recognized the extraordinary nature of this simple act.
My lessons for her about generosity and giving from the heart seemed so insignificant in comparison to his demonstration of what it truly means to put others before yourself. I will never forget that special day.
An anonymous Grandmother, Louisville, KY |
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| If you have a short, inspirational story you would like to share, please send it to: ezine@archlou.org. Thank you! |
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April 2010 - Easter: A Season of Change
Our lives are full of change. This is the nature of human existence. Things changed as well for Jesus'. . . (read more)
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Celebrating the Great 50 Days
The Easter Season extends from Easter Sunday through the Feast of Pentecost, May 23,
as we explore and absorb the wonder of the Resurrection.
St. Anthony Messenger provides this wonderful youtube on their homepage
featuring Fr. Thomas Richstatter. O.F. M. |
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For creative ways to continue celebrating the season of Easter, go to: www.catholicicing.blogspot.com |
eZine 
