Just Like That

It was time to get new furniture for our new apartment after throwing out what we’d used for fifteen years. So Samuel, a fellow church member, drove me to a shop to find what we needed. Then, since Samuel had to continue on to work, I was obliged to take the city bus home. At the bus stop, I greeted an elderly man with a friendly “Hi!” Through a broad smile, he asked, “Do you need bus 24B too?” “Yes, sir,” I replied, smiling back. When the bus came, I realized that I had no change to pay for the fare. I hardly use the bus because I usually drive every day. The elderly man I had just met saw me searching desperately through my purse. He simply handed me his bus ticket.

I felt bad to deprive him of his ticket, so I handed him a twenty-dollar bill. He refused to take it. Since other passengers could not make change for me, there was nothing I could do but accept and use the kind man’s ticket.

Yes, it had happened again.

I had made a new friend —just like that! This nice grandpa opened his heart to me just because I had said hi to him. He acted as Christ instructs us to in today’s text— take care of our neighbors. What might have happened if I had ignored him? I tell you, friend, he loved me more than himself when he gave me his only ticket and then had to use more of his money to pay for his own ride.

And he was all smiles while repeatedly saying, “Don’t worry, honey; it’s OK.” May you and I do the same for others! It was a long bus ride.

When I reached my destination, I said to my benefactor, “Thank you, and God bless you.” He gave me a warm handshake and again said, “Don’t worry, honey.” Do you and I have big hearts as this man who helped me did? I am sure that one day our Lord will bless him for his kindness as He said He would.

For when we help others, we are helping Jesus (Matthew 25:40).

Friend, keep a smile on your face as this man did.

And don’t forget to say hi!

Mabel Kwei