Dear Friends and Others, There are many people in our lives who help us and rescue us, I hope we never forget these people and I hope that one day we will return back the kindness and love we received to those who originally gave us the help and the resucue. Here is a story that lets us know how we can return help for help given. One day a woman was walking down the street when she spied a beggar sitting on the corner. The man was elderly, unshaven and ragged. As he sat there pedestrians walked by him giving him dirty looks, they clearly wanted nothing too do with him because of who he was- a dirty, homeless man. However, when she saw him, the woman was moved to compassion. It was very cold that day and the man had his tattered coat-more like an old suit coat rather than a warm coat-wrapped around him. She stopped and looked down. Sir? She asked. Are you all alright?The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, as so many others had done before. Leave me alone, he growled. To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling-her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. Are you hungry ? She asked. No, he answered sarcastically. Ive just come from dining with the president. Now go away. The womans smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. What are doing lady? the man asked angrily. I said to leave me alone. Just then a police officer came up. Is there any problem, maam? he asked. No problem here officer, the woman answered. Im just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me? The officer scratched his head. Thats old Jack. He has been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him? See that cafeteria over there? She asked. I am going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile. Are you crazy lady? the homeless man resisted. I do not want to go in there! Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. Let me go officer. I did not do anything This is a good deal for you Jack, the officer answered. Do not blow it. Finally with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him down at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by the table. What is going on here, officer? he asked. What is all this. Is this man in trouble? This lady brought this man in here to be fed, the police officer answered. Not in here! the manager replied angrily. Having a person like that here is bad for business. Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. See lady. I told you so. Now if you will let me go. I did not want to come here in the first place. The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street? Of course I am, the manager answered impatiently. They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms. And do you make a good profit from providing food at the weekly meetings? What business is that of yours? I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, President and CEO of the Company. Oh. The woman smiled again. I thought that might make a difference. She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal officer? No thanks maam, the officer replied. I am on duty. Then perhaps a cup of coffee to go? Yes maam. that would be very nice. The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. I will get your coffee for you right away, officer. The officer watched him walk away. You certainly put him in his place, he said. That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all of this. She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. Jack do you remember me? Old Jack searched her face with his old blurry eyes I think so; I mean you do look familiar. I am a little older perhaps, she said. Maybe I have filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here and I came through that very door, cold and hungry. Maam? The officer said questioningly. He could not believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could have been so hungry. I was just out of college, the woman began. I had come to the city looking for a job, but I could not find anything. Finally, I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the street for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat. Jack lit up with a smile. Now I remember, he said, I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said it was against company policy. I know, the woman continued. Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee and told me to go over to the corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over, I saw you put the price of my food in the cash register. I knew then that everything would be alright. So you started your own business? Old Jack said. I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually, I started my own business and with the help of God I prospered. She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. When you have finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyon. He is the personnel Director of my Company. I will go talk to him right now and I am certain he will find something for you to do around the office. She smiled. I think he might even find the funds to give you a little in advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you can get on your feet and if you ever need anything, my door is always open to you. There were tears in the old mans eyes. How can I ever thank you, he said. Do not thank me, the woman answered. To God goes the glory. We need to thank God for leading me to you. Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. Thank you for all your help officer, she said. On the contrary, Ms. Eddy, he answered. Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something I will never forget. And thank you for the coffee. She frowned. I forgot to ask whether you used cream or sugar. That coffee is black. The officer looked at the steaming cup of coffee in his hand. Yes, I do take cream and sugar-perhaps more than is good for me. He patted his ample stomach. I am sorry, she said. I do not need it now, he replied smiling. I have a feeling that this coffee you bought me is going to taste as sweet as sugar. There are many lessons to learn from this simple story. 1. We all need to be rescued at some time in our life. 2. We must be careful not to miss or resent the opportunity to help another for that experience may be the very thing that will allow us to put on the divine nature. 3. Act as if what we do makes a difference. It does. 4. I am only one but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. 5. When we give when we have been asked to we have waited too long. 6. To the same degree we are helpful will be the same degree to our level of happiness. 7. Dare to reach out our hands into the darkness to pull another hand into the light. 8. Are we not all beggars for we all need to depend on God. Mosiah 4:16-20. 9. If we want to give a light to others we need to glow ourselves. President Thomas S. Monson. 10. I MEET A STRANGER IN THE NIGHT WHOSE LAMP HAD CEASED TO SHINE, I PAUSED AND LET HIM LIGHT HIS LAMP FROM MINE. A TEMPEST SPRANG UP LATER ON AND SHOOK THE WORLD ABOUT AND WHEN THE WIND WAS GONE MY LAMP WAS OUT. BUT BACK CAME THE STRANGER-HIS LAMP WAS GLOWING FINE, HE HELD THE PRECIOUS FLAME AND LIGHTED MINE. Have a great day and always remember the golden rule, whatever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.Matthew 7:12. :(
Posted on: Sun, 25 May 2014 06:12:32 +0000