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"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35 NIV)My toilet handle broke the other day. I knew that I had a few pieces left over from an another toilet repair a few years earlier. I decided then to dig them out and save a few dollars. I hadn’t realized, however, just how crowded my storage closet had become. I started to pull stuff out a little bit at a time. The first thing I moved was a heavy winter coat that I hadn’t worn in years. Next I saw another old coat that had also fallen to the floor. Setting them to the side I picked up a trash bag that I thought might have the left over plumbing supplies. It ripped as I lifted it up and several coats, scarves, and toboggans that the children had outgrown fell to my feet.
At that moment God pulled the curtain shade open to the window of my mind and shined His light through it. I remembered a flier at my daughter’s college calling for a winter coat drive to help the needy. Suddenly the toilet repair didn’t seem quite so urgent anymore. I never did find the handle I started looking for, but I did leave the closet with both arms full of warm coats to help some good souls get through some cold days.
It’s wonderful how God always gives us what we need even if it isn’t always what we want. I had wanted to save a few dollars for myself, but instead God gave me the priceless gift of helping others. He took a moment of silly selfishness on my part and turned it into a wonderful chance to share, and love. I only wish that I had listened sooner to His soft whisper so that He would not have had to yell it out with a broken toilet and a shower of old coats.
The truth is "that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." I am just glad that God is always patient with me during those times when I get distracted from our true purpose here: to love and help each other. May both your coats and your hearts keep you warm this Winter and always.
Joseph J. Mazzella
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Winter is well upon us. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it means cooler temperatures, more precipitation, shorter days ... But for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, it means summer! In the midst of whatever life is throwing your way today, remember that, just like the seasons come to an end, your troubles will as well, and at the end of the long winter, there is always a summer awaiting you!
