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Building One Another


E. Stanley Ott

GENEROUS THANKS Vol 11 No 24

November 20, 2012

Dear Friend,

Driving with my daughter in the neighborhood in which I grew up, we paused by my childhood home so she could take a picture. A young man came to the door obviously wondering what we were doing. My daughter called to him, “My Dad lived here forty years ago.”

He went back inside the home and out came his mother. After my daughter told her the same thing, that lady said immediately, “Would you like to see the house?” Not even, “Just give me five minutes to pick up a few things, “ but a “Please come right in.” 

She took us into every room in the house. Memories came flooding in. I could see my Mom and I decorating the Christmas tree, my sister standing by the plate glass window before her wedding dress, the room I shared with my brother and so much more.

Can you imagine what I feel every time I think of the generosity of that dear lady in offering that kind hospitality to strangers? Thanksgiving simply overcomes me!

As the Apostle Paul wrote, “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.” 2 Corinthians 9:11*

So this Thanksgiving, think of the many acts of generosity that have been shown to you in the last year – by the people in your life – by the Lord of your life – and give thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving - E. Stanley Ott
Copyright 2012 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the NRSV