A Closet of Coats
"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