Using Leisure Moments for Good

LIVING LIFE, oftentimes, gives us little snippets of unexpected free time. Perhaps, on occasion, we need to be ready to use these moments as a means of doing some good in our world. Such is the case for a good friend of mine. His story of "Blue Roses" is below.

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RECENTLY my wife gave me a list of items she needed from the store. I was not busy and didn't mind going for her. Actually, I enjoy shopping because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people.

I went to the store, gathered up the items, and headed for the checkout counter. However, I was blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."

It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"

"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly. "Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I like the name Denny. How old are you Denny?"

"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. "You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles, and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someones attention. He then turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure, and then I said something which came from inside my heart. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's garden, however, blue roses are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. "You see," I said, "Denny is a 'blue rose' and if people don't stop and smell that rose with their heart, and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God."

She was silent for a moment, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"

Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."

The next time you see a "blue rose," don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say hello. Because - by the grace of God - you may meet someone like I did. And what a difference a moment can mean to that person - or to his or her family.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And, leave the rest to God.

From an old dandelion

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-- The story above was used with permission.