Wednesday, April 02, 2008
How much does "Thank You" means to you today?
Here is just a short story that I am writing which I extracted from the storybook "No wonder they call Him the Savior" by Max Lucado. This is a good book that is worth all your time to read, because I'm so blessed by this little book! The words in it, the story that expressed all; It just allow you to understand why you need a Saviour! Be blessed.
He couldn't have been over six years old. Dirty face, barefooted, torn T-shirt, matted hair. He wasn't too different from the other hundred thousand or so street orphans that roam Rio de Janeiro.
I was walking to get a cup of coffee at a nearby cafe when he came up behind me. With my thoughts somewhere between the task I had just finished and the class I was about to teach, I scarcely felt the tap, tap, tap on my hand. I stopped and turned. Seeing no one, I continued on my way. I'd only taken a few steps, however, I felt another insistent tap, tap, tap. This time I stopped and looked downward. There he stood. His eyes were whiter because of his grubby cheeks and coal-black hair.
"Bread, sir?"
Living in Brazil, one has daily opportunities to buy a candy bar or sandwich for this little outcasts. It's the least one can do. I told him to come with me and we entered the sidewalk cafe. "Coffee for me and something tasty for my little friend." This boy ran to the pastry counter and made his choice. Normally, these youngsters take the food and scamper back into the street without a word. But this little fellow surprised me.
The cafe consisted of a long bar: one end for pastries and the other for coffee. As the boy was making his choice, I went to the other end of the bar and began drinking my coffee. Just as I was getting my derailed train of thought back on track, I saw him again. He was standing in the cafe entrance, on tiptoe, bread in hand, looking in at the people. "What's he doing?" I thought.
Then he saw me and scurried in my direction. He came and stood in front of me about eye-level to my belt buckle. This little Brazilian orphan looked up at the big American missionary, smiled a smile that would have stolen your heart and said, "Obrigado." (Thank you) Then, nervously scratching the back of his ankle with his big toe, he added, "Muito obrigado." (Thank you very much)
All of a sudden, I had a crazy craving to buy him the whole restaurant.
But before I could say anything, he turned and scampered out of the door.
As I write this, I'm still standing at the coffee bar, my coffee is cold, and I'm late for my class. But I still feel the sensation that I felt half an hour ago. And I'm pondering this question : If I am so moved by a street orphan who says thank you for a piece of bread, how much more is God moved when I pause to thank him - really thank him - for saving my soul?
Questions to reflect:
Do we sometimes take our blessings, and particularly our salvations for granted?
When was the last time you truly thank God for saving your soul?
When I came upon this story yesterday, my heart was indeed crying. I recognized how Max Lucado actually felt with someone sincerely thanking you for what you have had done. Just last March, I went for blood donation for the very first time. I was a little fearful of the pain but what pushed me on was the company of friends and the desire to do something new before my 21st birthday. The whole process was remarkable; memorable. I tally with Max' the exact sincerity of thanks that was expressed by the doctor who served me. She said so many thank you that I was almost blown away, and from her eyes, I understood the important of lives. I told myself, I will go for such donation whenever possible.
Recently, as I was preparing myself to go for Bible school, I just felt that I needed an amount of money not because I don't have, but rather it was like a "test" God gave me. He challenged me to trust Him for whatever amount He is setting for me and I did one "stupid" act. I even wrote it on my MSN nick; with my account numbers there. I have no idea what will happen, neither did I plan to see what should/could happen. I just did as I was told.
A phone call came! A friend told me he deposit a small amount into my account. I was shocked. I didn't know how to express myself, and all I could say was thank you. Thank you from my heart. I had got my second blessings before I entered bible school and that's my desired bible. I just can't be anymore contented than these. I'm just thankful!
I was actually asked to pray for sponsorship for my Bible School. I'm praying now. :) *I'm thankful for the ability to serve. (Church & Cell Group)
*I'm thankful for the time spent. (Special ones, you know who you are!)
*I'm thankful for the values imparted. (hmmm)
*I'm thankful for all my friends and family.
*I'm thankful I am here today.
*I'm thankful for the apple strudel too. (You know who you are)
*I'm thankful for the money. (You know who you are)
*I'm thankful for the bible. (You know who you are)
Blessed is he who give than received. The joy of giving. My God is not a stingy God, who told you to give for the rest of your life, He blessed us too. I am saying thank You to Jesus today, by setting my life right for Him in Bible School. I have no idea how to express my life in a better way than giving my time to grow myself in Him. I am thankful for all that I have today. I am really thankful!
Are you?
Blessed is he who gives than receives,
d.
2:02:00 PM
