Ripples

Dear Friends,

So, here's a feel-good story that I heard recently. A flight attendant on Sky West Airlines, who says she is always looking for the good in the world, witnessed this moment of kindness.

A 94-year-old lady got on the plane. She was frail and had a hard time getting back to her seat, which was in the rear of the aircraft, and then there was a bit of confusion about where she was supposed to be seated. A gentleman sitting in first class saw her plight, so he flagged down the flight attendant. He said, "Can you please get her and put her in my seat, and I will take hers." They walked back together to get her and take her to first class.

The woman was so touched. She gave the man a big hug and said, "Never in my 94 years has someone done that for me. Thank you, young man." She had tears of gratitude in her eyes.

It's a great story. But, to me, the best part was when the flight attendant made this statement: "It was amazing how this thoughtful act changed the attitude of everyone on the flight."

This is the amazing thing about most acts of kindness and generosity, that they lead to a change in attitude and demeanor and behavior in most people who witness them. When we are a force for good, and people notice, it plants the idea for others to commit similar (often random) acts of kindness and generosity.

It begins to spread. It creates ripples, like throwing a rock into a pool of water. We can create ripples of another kind when we do something less than good and helpful, so we have to be careful. But we have it within us to start something good.

So, let's get out there. Let's look for those opportunities. I still remember the prayer my friend gets down on his knees and prays every day: "Lord, I'm not looking for blessings to come into my life, I'm looking to be a blessing. Lord, let me be a blessing to someone today."

Grace and Hope to you,

Pastor Duane