A Sock

A few months ago we were helping our pastor's parents. Both had health issues that required attention and we were frequently called to help. One weekend we were over attending to their needs and talking with them. While we were there Marilyn gave my daughter, Emily, something she had found during one of her shopping sprees.

Jack saw Marilyn give something to Emily and wanted to be thoughtful too.

"Come here," he told Emily.

Emily followed him into his room. He opened the top drawer of his dresser. Inside was one sock.

"Here," he said, handing her the sock. "This is for you."

"Thank you," Emily said.

When we returned home later, we discovered the stray sock. Both of us doubled over in laughter because it was one miscellaneous sock that neither of us could use but the gesture behind his gift meant so much to us. I will never see a stray sock the same way. That little gesture still brings a huge smile to my heart. This morning this memory flooded my mind and I couldn't help being thankful for the opportunity to become acquainted with Jack. A few months later Jack passed away but his memory and his gift will forever remain etched in my mind.

The little things in life can mean so much. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." May we also give out of the kindness of our heart.