Sunday, June 12, 2011

Matthew 25:35

Jesus cleaned my windshield last Saturday afternoon. Yes - you read that right. And not only that, but he also provided me with a free hot dog and a cold drink of water too. And as with so many of my stories, it seems that an explanation is called for...

Last Saturday was a beautiful day and I was working around the yard getting caught up on a number of tasks. Painting the garden shed, washing my motorcycle, mowing the lawn etc. I needed gas for my lawnmower so I drove down to the local Irving and started filling up my gas can. To my surprise not one, but two smiling attendants greeted me and offered to wash my windshield. My suspicions were immediately aroused but I replied that I would indeed love my windshield washed and they both started scrubbing away - one at the front and one at the back.

As they worked away one of them informed me that I was welcome to help myself to free hot dogs and bottled water too... now I was really suspicious. After all - this was an Irving station, and they charge for air! But it was right around noon and I suddenly realized that I was both hungry and thirsty.

After I paid for my gas I looked at the card one of the windshield washers had given me and it explained that today was Love Fredericton Day - sponsored by several local church groups. That explained the smiling, eager service I had received at the pumps. It also explained the group of excited young kids and teenagers who were bustling around the parking lot - what I had assumed was a car wash for charity.

As I was fixing up my hot dog another car drove up and the driver was offered free hot dogs and water just like me. He seemed to hesitate and as he reached for his wallet to make a donation I heard one little guy explain loudly and with all sincerity that there was no charge, it was all to show that God loves us.

And why shouldn't he? It was a beautiful day - the yard was full of happy, sincere people putting their faith to work in a simple way that we can all relate to. Clean windshields, free hot dogs and a cold drink of water on a hot day. Amen to that.

By the way - if you are not familiar with the biblical verse referenced in the title - look it up. You can use a Bible if you have one handy, but go ahead and use Google if you prefer, God won't mind a bit.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved this story ! very inspirational
Jacqui

Judy said...

I was hungry and you gave me something to eat ... I checked to make sure I was right with my guess (would have been a bit embarrassing if I'd been wrong). You have offered us a sermon that puts that verse into perspective. Thank you ... and I am so glad to hear the church groups in Fredericton are living that scripture in your neighborhood. Another fine piece of writing from your pen (well keyboard).