New Year. New Beginnings.

The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.

John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same."

(Luke 3:9-11)

I volunteer at a local non-profit called Good Neighbors. We provide emergency assistance for rent, rent deposits, utilities and utility deposits. I have had many memorable experiences while working there but one day there was what I could call a "first."  

A woman came in inquiring about the "Coats for the Cold" program sponsored by the Knox Area Rescue Ministries. It’s a program where donated coats are handed out free to those who need them. She was looking for a coat for her mother who recently moved in with her.  We had no more vouchers available for the coats, so I gave her a list of several places where vouchers could be found.  

I returned to my desk to complete some paperwork when I overheard this conversation from the reception area. Another of our neighbors, someone who was seeking utility assistance, stood up, removed her own coat, and said, "Could she wear this one?  It's clean and I want her to have it."  

The first lady responded, "I can't take your coat!" but the other one answered, "I have another one at home, and you need it." The first woman was shocked but took the coat and left thanking her over and over.  

I was stunned for a moment, but went to her and said, "Thank you for that amazing act of love."  As she started down the hall to speak with a coach about her own needs, she answered. "We've all been there, and her mother needed a coat."

She did get help for payment of her utility bill and thanked me as she left.  I again thanked her.  Yes, I donate frequently, but inside I was in turmoil as I had a coat hanging on the hook in the hall and offering mine had never even entered my thinking.   A moment of grace had happened right in front of my eyes, but I somehow felt I had missed an opportunity.  

Prayer

Dear God, open our eyes so that we can see the need of the moment and respond in love. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.