I am not claiming to be thoughtful, but I was taught how to be in an unforgettable way.
While in Georgia, we hosted a regional bus ministry conference. We brought in a guest speaker from a larger ministry to speak to us over a few days. Churches from the area came and we were collectively challenged and taught in regards to all things bus related.
While with us, a family from our speaker’s home church was involved in an auto accident and the husband ended up in an Atlanta hospital’s ICU. He asked me if I would mind taking him to the hospital so that he could see the family. Of course, I was more than happy to do so.
Over the few days, I drove him to the hospital more than a half dozen times. I took him as early as five a.m. and as late as eleven p.m. I drove him in the afternoon and fought Atlanta traffic. Never did I view this as an imposition. In fact, I enjoyed being able to spend some personal time with our guest.
Once the conference had ended and our speaker had returned home, life resumed to normal. The next week, a package arrived for me. I was like a kid on Christmas morning since this was well before we all started receiving things from Amazon on a daily basis.
Upon opening the package I found a biography of one of my mentors. I wasn’t sure why I had received it since I hadn’t placed an order for a copy. I opened the cover and there was an inscription, “Dear Joel, thank you so much for helping my friend be there for one of our members.” and it was signed by my mentor. There was also an envelope. Inside was a hand written thank you note on personal stationary from our guest speaker. He was thanking me for “your great personal sacrifice.” Goodness, all I had done was drive him to the hospital a few times. Finally, there was a $100 Shell gas card enclosed with the note.
I was beside myself with both the generosity and thoughtfulness of this gift. I don’t believe I have ever been so thoroughly expressive of gratitude. But this example is the standard I try to live up to.
Joel Stiff's Adventure 