October 30
Scripture: Prov 25:11
Source author: Mary Kay Moody
October 30
Gold in the Ashes Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. —Proverbs 25:11
The cedar fire roared through San Diego County in late October 2003, burning into early December. A few days into the fire, Ed and I learned nearly half the homes in a small community near our church were destroyed. We teamed up with Samaritan’s Purse to help the residents. Through the ash-covered back country, we drove up the mountain. I worked in the tent, sorting donations, helping residents find what they needed, praying, listening, and just helping them cope. Ed joined clean-up crews who cleared home sites of ash and rubble, allowing homeowners to save money and rebuild sooner. One morning I worked with Sue, an older volunteer from a distant area, attaching wristbands to site clean-up volunteers —a looting-prevention practice. After one man walked away, Sue whispered to me, “Be careful, honey. Some of these guys are far from home and might not be completely . . . honorable. That last fella was making eyes at you.” “Thanks, Sue.” I grinned. “That one was my husband.” From a caring heart, Sue offered wisdom, and also blessed two tired workers.
Strew nuggets of affirmation and caring along your path today; you never know whose day you’ll brighten. — Mary Kay Moody —