Side Benefits

You're going to want to put your fork down for this one.

Big brother Jack came home the other day from his parcel clerk job at Fred Meyer, a local grocery chain. In addition to collecting carts and sweeping floors, he services the restrooms, and while he was cleaning the men's restroom that day, a young boy rushed into one of the stalls, slammed the door and started heaving. After awhile the boy came out, and Jack asked him, "Hey, buddy, are you okay?" The kid wiped his mouth with his sleeve and mumbled, "Yeah," and hurried out. Jack went over to the stall to inspect his next chore, pushed open the door and looked inside. It appeared that the kid had hit every surface except the toilet bowl. "Well, at least I'm used to this," Jack thought, and went to work on the mess.

David, who is a host at a local cafe, came home the same day with a similar story, this time involving an elderly woman. I'll spare you the details on that one.

When I think of the ways Annie's illness has had a positive effect on my other children, my mind usually goes to things like, they're more compassionate to the disabled. I don't immediately connect that willingly cleaning up after the weak is now part of their resume. God is good.

Jean

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5