The thoughts and attitudes of the heart

“For the word of God is living and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Quite recently, my husband, Fred, and I decided to go to the Swiss Chalet on Dalton Avenue in Kingston for their festive special meal.  The parking there makes it easy for anyone using a walker or wheelchair. As Fred’s mobility isn’t good, he uses a four wheel walker to get around when we aren’t at home. On this particular day, however, the accessible button wasn’t working and I had difficulty getting the door open and negotiating with Fred to get inside. A man suddenly appeared on the other side, and deftly manoeuvred the whole operation for us. I presumed he worked at the restaurant and thanked him for his help. He waved away my appreciation and I then watched him go back to a table by the window, through which he had observed our difficulty. When the hostess came, she happened to seat us at an adjoining table and left us with menus. I had a couple more words with the man and his partner, and then we got on with ordering our meal.

Fred and I tucked into the delicious food and, at some point, I realized this couple had gone. No-one was more surprised than I, when our server announced that our meal was paid for by the two of them who wished us to have one on them. Apparently Fred reminded them of her grandfather, and she appreciated how affectionate we were to each other and happy to be out together. This made us both feel really special. We finished our food and it was then I decided to pass this gift onward. I asked our server to look around and find a table where she thought the people would appreciate the gesture as much as we had. She chose an elderly couple on the other side of the restaurant. We hope that they enjoyed the anonymous surprise gift as much as we had ours.

This act of kindness was a wake up call for me. As I write this I realize I am becoming much more observant than I used to be of those whose needs are below the normal radar. So this Advent and Christmas season I urge you to help those who are less fortunate. Every year we all get many charitable organizations asking for donations. There are many good causes, and getting a tax receipt is helpful.  But giving anonymously is also stepping up a notch. Last week I watched a young woman with a small whiny child in a grocery cart carefully figure out that she hadn’t enough to pay for some of the items she had chosen. She was near to tears, but left them to be returned. Many years ago I was that woman. The memory moved me enough that I quietly fished out a $20 and gave it to the cashier saying: “I think this belongs to the woman ahead of me. Perhaps she dropped it while attending to her child?” The cashier eyed me, nodded, and gave the money to the astonished woman who paid for her groceries with some left over. I saw a glimmer of relief and hope come onto her face, and that was the joy that brightened my day.

Every one of us has the opportunity to make a difference. Only God will know if you have succeeded. May God bless you all this Christmas and in the new year to come.

Thanks be to God!

Diana Duncan-Fletcher

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