October 28
Scripture: Psa 112:5
Source author: Helene C. Kuoni
October 28
Fair Dealings Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. —Psalm 112:5
Want to buy cards?” he asked. I couldn’t believe it. A jacketless boy about seven years old stood outside my door late one snowy afternoon. “You’re selling greeting cards?” I asked incredulously. My thoughts raced. Did his parents approve his peddling? Alone? On a day like this? Were they destitute? “Or, I can shovel,” he offered. “It’ll snow all night. No point shoveling now.” “I’ll come tomorrow!” “Fine.” What had I done? He was too young, too small. He returned in the morning. But a high school boy saw him ring my bell and ran to the porch to vie for the job. I recognized the older boy as being from a nearby boarding school—one for delinquents referred by the courts. “Work together?” I suggested. They agreed. I watched from indoors and, when they finished, I gave them each $10. Then I asked the older one to stay. His expression clouded, as if he feared he’d done something wrong. “Take this extra $10,” I said. “The little boy was too young.
You did the work and I want to be fair with you.” Appreciative, he smiled. “Thanks.”
Be kind to the poor and treat others fairly, for both acts demonstrate love. — Helene C. Kuoni —