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A
SPLASH OF SUNSHINE The
joyful effect of a smile is something I learned to appreciate as I grew
older. I had no idea what effect a smile, the only ray of light some people
see all week, could have on others. A friendship developed through one
such smile with a grocery-store bagger named Matt, a young man with Down
syndrome. One particularly cold and wintry day, I drove to the grocery store. I watched the wind whip the pine trees, bending them nearly to the ground. The snow clouds, heavy and dark, stood ready to birth new snow. My body ached from arthritis and when I emerged from my car, I hobbled toward the store. Inside, I trudged up and down each aisle like an old woman, my legs and feet stiff. The pain accompanied me to the checkout where I paid for the groceries. As I pushed my cart toward the door, I noticed that Matt was watching me. With a determined look on his face, he left his post so he could help. He pushed my cart out to the car. I stood shivering by the car door as Matt handed me the bread, which I put in the front seat. Then Matt handled my groceries with care, as though each package was the most important one in the world, while he slowly laid them on the backseat. Snowflakes began settling on Matt’s coat and hair. I was impressed by this thoughtful young man who showed such concern. Reaching into my purse for my usual dollar tip, I realized I had spent my last dollar at the post office purchasing stamps. I fished around in the bottom of the purse, but I’d cleaned it out earlier, so I found no change. Embarrassed by my thoughtlessness, I said, “Matt, I’m sorry but I don’t have a tip to give you.” He smiled and said, “That’s OK.” Unexpectedly, Matt wrapped his arms around me and lightly kissed my cheek. “I love you,” he whispered. “I’ll make it up to you next time, Matt,” I promised. Standing in the cold with my back aching and my fingers numb, I realized my heart was warmed by the love he openly shared. What perfect joy he poured into my day. I knew that Matt’s love was like God’s love—unconditional. I left with a smile on my face and a warm feeling inside. And the ache in my body seemed to disappear. What a perfect splash of sunshine for my long winter’s day—a ray of light from one of God’s special children.
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copyright ©1999-2005 by Nanette Thorsen-Snipes. All rights reserved |
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Last Update:5/20/2005
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