“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” -Colossians 3:12
Each Thursday, Charlie and Anna Rentzel visit the Anchor Bar in Frederick, Maryland. Charlie is 96 years old. Everyone in the bar knows Charlie, who loves to be the center of attention. Charlie and Anne stop in for a drink after spending part of the day at the hospital. Charlie has cancer and is currently going through treatment.
One Thursday, Charlie and Anna stopped off at The Ancho Bar. Charlie was wearing a hat that proudly showed he was a Korean War Veteran. Another patron at the bar saw Charlie’s hat and was inspired to pay the tab. Alex Nowlin is also a veteran, and he wanted to express his gratitude for Charlie. While Alex was quietly paying the tab, he learned a bit more about Charlie and Anna. Alex knew they could use a little more help.
After Charlie and Anna had left, Alex, other regulars, and some of the staff began to talk about how they could bless Charlie and Anna. It was apparent that their home needed some help to make it more accessible for Charlie. They quickly began to raise money and put a plan together. Before long, they had collected over $10,000.00. They organized volunteers and, with Charlie and Anna’s approval, their friends from the local bar arrived and spruced up the home. They put in bars in the shower, helped make the downstairs bathroom more accessible, painted the living room, and even planted new flowers out front.
When the work was being done at Anna and Charlie’s home, many of the people who came to volunteer didn’t even know the Rentzels. They were swept up in the kindness being expressed. Anna said, “There’s not enough thank-yous for what they’ve done for us.” The volunteers were excited to refresh their home, create accessibility, and make it so that Charlie no longer had to go upstairs. Charlie told the local news, “My life is winding down on the right foot.”
Opportunities to express the loving-kindness of God are all around us. The life-changing work done at Anna and Charlie’s house started because one person paid for their drinks. Small acts of kindness can change a person’s world. Charlie and Anna’s world sure has changed for the good. When we are intentional about sharing God’s love, our actions will make a difference.
-Rev. Keith King
