Tuesday, June 22, 2021
THE WALL PHONE
What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop.
Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.
God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (CEB)
When Jim was a young boy, he held a certain affinity for the kitchen wall phone. He used to listen with fascination when his mother talked into it. He discovered that somewhere inside this wonderful device lived an amazing person. Her name was “Information please” and there was nothing she didn’t know. She could supply anyone’s number and the correct time. One day he wacked his finger with a hammer and the pain was terrible. There was no one home to help, but he suddenly had a great idea.. He ran to the phone, unhooked it and held it to his ear. “Information please.” A click or two and a voice said “Information.” The voice asked if anyone was home and he replied “No” through his tears. The voice told him to get a small piece of ice and place it on his finger. He was enthralled. From that day on he called “Information please” for everything. He got help with his math, geography, what to feed his pet chipmunk, etc. One day his pet canary died and he called with a very heartfelt question. “Why is it that birds should sing so beautifully only to end up as a heap of feathers on the bottom of the cage?” The voice very quietly said, “Jim, always remember that there are other worlds to sing in.” As an adult Jim never forgot the kindness that operator shared with him for so many years. He was visiting his childhood home one summer and automatically picked up the phone. “Information please”. Miraculously he heard the clear small voice he knew so well. “Could you tell me how to spell fix?” There was a long pause and then a soft spoken answer, “I guess your finger must have healed by now.” He couldn’t believe it was her and told her how much she meant to him growing up. She told him she never had any children and used to wait every day for his calls. He asked if he could call her again when he visited home and she happily agreed telling him to ask for Sally. Three months later he was back home and called again. He asked for Sally. “Are you a friend?” the voice said. “Yes, a very old friend.” “I’m very sorry to tell you but Sally died five weeks ago. But she left a message for you. She wrote it down in case you called. Tell Jim there are other worlds to sing in.”
Never underestimate our impression on others. Be generous with your riches- your kindness, your love, your grace, your gentleness, your devotion, your understanding.
Heavenly Father, help me to be a little less like me and a little more like you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.
Barbara Schneider
