Jesus said to him,
"Go and do likewise."
The parent association of our child’s school operates a concession
stand at sporting events as a fundraiser. Parents take turns working at the concession
stand. There is only one concession stand; it’s on "our" side of the field.
Fans of both the home team and visitors’ buy food and drink there.
I worked at the concession stand for a football game one cold night
late in the season. Since we have a monopoly, the prices are sometimes a little high. Hot
chocolate was $3.00. This particular night, hot chocolate was very popular. I think we
could have charged $6.00. A bunch of kids from the visiting team’s school came by
bus. They continuously came to the concession stand in packs, always buying hot chocolate.
Except one kid, probably a middle schooler. He came with several
different groups but he never bought anything. Warm air comes out of the concession stand
so people tend to huddle close as long as they can. I noticed him because he was one of
the few kids without a coat. He stood close and lingered. This kid would look at the menu
and the prices, look at the other kids drinking hot chocolate, and recount his change.
Apparently, he did not have enough money.
After three or four visits without making a purchase, another guy on
the concession stand crew said to him, "How about a hot chocolate?" The kid
replied that he didn’t have enough money. The guy took three bucks from his pocket,
put in the money drawer and said "No charge, it’s on me." His expression
made it evident that he was very happy to have hot chocolate. He promised to pay back the
$3.00. The good neighbor replied, "Don’t pay me back, just do something nice for
somebody else sometime."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to recognize a neighbor in need in
everyday circumstances. Inspire us to help, not for personal gain, but in recognition of
the help you continuously give us, for it is our duty "to do likewise." Amen.
