A Sympathetic Gesture  

Edgar Guest who was a renowned American poet at the turn of the century tells of a neighbor by the name of Jim Potter.  Mr. Potter ran the drug store in the small town where Edgar Guest lived. Guest recalled that daily he would pass his neighbor and how they would smile and exchange greetings.  But it was a mere casual relationship.  

Then one tragic night Edgar Guest’s first-born child died.  Guest felt lonely and defeated.  Those were grim days for him and he was overcome with grief. A few days later Guest had reason to go to the drug store run by his neighbor, and when he entered Jim Potter motioned for him to come behind the counter.  "Eddie," he said, "I really can't express to you the great sympathy I have for you at this time. All I can say is that I’m terribly sorry, and if you need for me to do anything, you can count on me."  

Many years later Edgar Guest described that encounter in one on his book like this :  "Just a person across the way - a passing acquaintance. Jim Potter may have long since forgotten that moment when he extended his hand to me in sympathy, but I shall never forget it - never in all my life. To me it stands out like the silhouette of a lonely tree against a crimson sunset." 

Often times we go through life intent on doing some great act of benevolence, but fail to see the many opportunities to be a blessing to those around us each day.  A small kindly deed can lift a neighbor’s spirit from the depths of despair.  A few words of encouragement at the right time can change the direction of a young person’s life.  Let the love in your heart shine forth and you’ll change somebody’s life.  Jesus called that being the salt of the earth.  Mt. 5:13