A Wonderful day at the Zylstra Harley Davidson!!

Im beginning to think, Every day is a Wonderful day there at that Zylstra!

We had one amazing turnout for the food drive, and one story that was shared with us really hit home for me, why the cycle of helping others is so important.

This man came over to our tent at about 12 noon, and he was clearly on a mission. He hopped off his Bike, and opened up his side satchel on his ride, and pulled out a black garbage bag filled with a collection of cans. As he made his way over to our tent- you could see it in his eyes that this act of giving was far more meaning FULL than even we could take in.

He began to tell us that when he was younger, his family gathered cans to take the food pantry and they wanted to put their initials on the bottom of the cans in permanent marker. So the people who got the food, could tell it was from people who cared.

Flash forward a year or so later- his family was struck with hard times and a knock on the door brought some Love into their lives when they needed it most.

The person at the other end of the door, had a basket, and in it was some canned goods, cleaning supplies, and most of all a spirit of Goodwill. As the family was looking thru the basket and excited about the contents, that child- Now man- actually found himself looking at the bottom of the cans with a faint hope that maybe he would see one of his family members initials on the bottom.

And he did. He saw his initials.

That experience has stayed with him for many years. And although he did not have cases of food to donate, or a hand full of crisp $20 bills to toss in the jar, what he shared with us was priceless.
For it is the gift of his humble offering with a joyous heart, and holding onto that feeling of being lifted up that matters the most.

This week, I pray that we all find ways we can lift each other up.. even if it just is the crabby man or women at work that seems to find a negative thing to say- that you reach out to in love and show him/her in some way that things really aren't that bad...
or the neighbor that hasn't gotten around to mowing the lawn in weeks, and what a surprise it would be for you to knock on the door with lawnmower and a smile on your face and do a good deed...
or taking the time to tell the Nurse at your Dr's office that always is there for you, How much you appreciate their service...
Saying ' Have a Great Day' to The stranger standing behind you at the grocery store,..
or to the mailman that comes round every day to deliver your bills, bills, letters and more bills- being there at the mailbox to offer a refreshing thank you with a cold bottle of water.. I could go on, but I hope you get the picture.

Enjoy this week, We all have a way we can leave our mark behind.. in initials on the bottom of the can, or in the hearts of those we come in contact with.

Together- We'll Make it Through..
Julie