Acknowledgement Pages

Do you still read books?

OK.  That's not exactly what I mean.  I'm talking about hard-cover books.  Truth be told, it's become a rare occurrence in my life.  I have a Kindle app on my phone and that's become my normal.

Recently, however, I held a book in my hand.  Yes, I'm talking about something that has weight and required the use of one of those physical bookmark thingies! (Ask your parents.)  

I will, on rare occasions, spend a little time with the book's Bibliography section.  For the most part, however, I've a tendency to entirely skip; the Dedication page, the Table of Contents, the Forward, the Preface, the Introduction, the Index, the Appendix, and certainly the Acknowledgement page.

Maybe it's because Mr. Hipps called his acknowledgment page "Gratitudes". Or maybe it was because I was just into this self-help author.  Whatever the reason, I read the two pages of acclamations recognizing those adding value to the content and production of this manuscript.

There were specifically 16 individuals mentioned and a general nod to many others.

Since I never read this page, I have no frame of reference as to whether this is normal, excessive or stingy.  But, I realized that this publication might never have seen the light of day if not for many people.

Is There Anything I Can Do . . .

A friend's job loss creates an inability to provide for the family.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

A long-time neighbor dies.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

A car accident creates months of physical therapy for a co-worker.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

A family member is diagnosed.  It doesn't look good.
You ask, "Is there anything I can do?"

The question is honest and sincere.
It's asked out of compassion, empathy and maybe even love.

A genuine offer gratefully accepted as both recognize that, in most cases, there is nothing that can help.  There's nothing to be done.

It's futility is heavy.  And lonely.

Affecting the Life of Another

Opportunities (large and small) to serve others are all around us.

Yes, this was recorded and serves as an example.  Our service opportunities will not be visible to the world.  That does not change the result of action, however.  Let our hearts be touched by the facial expressions and the emotions of those receiving this 'God is Good' message.  We are our brother's keepers.

Today, I want to;
Be inspired.
Be attentive.
Be this change.

Man Pays for Stranger's Groceries
(7 minute video)

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6: 3-4

Now THAT'S what I'M talking about ...

A Wal-Mart store in South Chicago on a Sunday morning.

A quick run to get a couple of things for breakfast as the day begins.

Yes, in a hurry.  But there's this woman.

An early morning employee, she's trying to get the carts to stack properly.  But when she pushes the last one to the front, the rest move uncontrollably.

A look of frustration.  It's not the first attempt.

A voice.  Do something.

Two seconds holding the first keeps them from moving away.

Two seconds and the work is done - the carts are lined up.

A woman smiles and says "Now THAT'S what I'M talking about!"

This story is six years old and seems to be unforgettable.  It was just a few seconds of life and yet still carries a lesson.  It says, "listen."  It says, "small things."  It says, "by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:35.