Pastor's Pen
Becoming Like Little Children
A mother was leaving Wal-Mart with her daughters when they saw a homeless veteran holding a sign saying, “Anything you can do would help.”
The mother gave the man a dollar and apologized for not having more to give. The gentleman replied, “No need to say you’re sorry. This dollar will help me.”
As they drove off, the mother’s daughter began to cry and said, “Mommy, I have money in my purse. We should turn around and give it to him.” The mother suggested, “How about we get him something to eat, stop at an ATM and withdraw some money.”
After purchasing food, sides and water they headed back to Wal-Mart hoping the man had not left. Sure enough, he was still there holding his sign.
Pulling up, the mother said, “We weren’t okay with giving you only a dollar. So we got you some lunch and $20 to thank you for your service to our country.”
The homeless war veteran’s eyes filled with tears as he thanked them repeatedly.
Consider a couple things concerning the little girl’s response.
Her compassionate response was stirred up by seeing the man having to beg to survive (something she likely wasn’t accustomed to) and that giving him a dollar wasn’t enough.
Also, her response was selfless. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say the little girl would have likely given all the money she had. We may think, “She likely didn’t have much.” Well, it was a lot to her and yet she wanted him to have it.
This story reminds me of an instance when the disciples of Jesus came and asked Him, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Jesus called a little child to Himself and replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:1-3).
I thank God for these reminders because we live in a world where looking out for number one rules the day and it’s easy to overlook the needs and misfortunes of others. So, reminders like these from time to time are good even if they come from unexpected sources like a little girl leaving Wal-Mart with her mommy.
Pastor Craig Ressler
Hartville Church of Christ