Devotional 26 nov

"In Case I Ever Forget!"

Give thanks in all circumstances.1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

The following story has been reprinted by request; it needs no commentary: "They huddled inside the storm door - two children in ragged over-sized coats. 'Any old papers, lady?' I was busy. I wanted to say no - until I saw their feet. Little sandals sopped with sleet. 'Come in and I'll make you some hot cocoa.' There was no conversation. Their soggy sandals left marks on the hearthstone. I served them cocoa with toast and jam to fortify them against the chill outside. Then I went back to the kitchen to work on my household budget. The silence in the front room struck through me. I looked in. The little girl held the empty cup in her hands looking at it. The boy asked, 'Lady, are you rich?' I looked at my shabby slipcovers. 'Am I rich? Mercy, no!' The girl put the cup in its saucer! - carefully. 'Your cups match your saucers.' Her voice was old, with a hunger not of the stomach. Then they left, holding their bundles of paper against the wind. They hadn't said thank you. They didn't need to - they had done more than that. Much more. Plain blue pottery cups and saucers, but they matched. Potatoes and brown gravy; a roof over our heads; my man with a good steady job - these things matched, too. I moved the chairs back from the fire and tidied the living room. The muddy prints of small sandals were still wet upon my hearth. I let them be. I want them there in case I ever forget how rich I am!"

Bible-in-a-year Reading:Joshua 4-6, Mark 9:1-13,Psalm 114, Proverbs 27:20-22