“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Jodi LaFreniere is a kindergarten teacher in Michigan. Like most teachers, she spends a large amount of time working in her classroom and little time at home. That is why Jodi has installed a security system at her home. Her doorbell is equipped with a camera that is triggered by motion.
One day, while Jodi was away from home, she received a notice on her cell phone that there was motion at the front door. When she looked at the camera footage, she noticed a FedEx driver bringing a package to her front door. He placed the package on the porch.
What happened next caught Jodi’s attention and made her day. Melvin Marlett, the FedEx driver, not only did his job for FedEx, but after he set down the package, he picked up a shovel and began to clear the snow from Jodi’s steps and sidewalk. Jodi was amazed as she watched this wonderful act of kindness. She showed the video to her coworkers who were also amazed. Eventually, Jodi shared the footage on her social media, and it has been shared almost 60,000 times.
Kindness brightens our souls. When we witness a simple act of kindness, it shines a light in an otherwise dim world. Melvin Marlett’s simple act of shoveling snow brightened the day of so many. Each of us have the ability to bring light to the darkness. When we look for opportunities to express loving kindness, we can brighten our neighbor’s day.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
