The cold weather has arrived in Oklahoma. For many, this is reason to celebrate. It means the temporary end to 100+ degree weather, the joy of wearing sweaters, and pumpkin spice drinks. For others, it brings a longing for summer time, and the joy that comes with warm days outside. Perhaps it makes you look forward to warm days on the beach.
Stephane and Marie-Eve are a couple from Quebec, Canada. They went on a warm vacation to St. Augustine, Florida. While swimming in the warm waters off the Florida coast, Stephane lost his wedding band. He was devastated. They looked and looked but no luck. Others joined in the search to help find this precious reminder of his love for his bride. Before long, they began to lose hope that they would ever find his wedding band.
That is when they spotted Joseph Cook. Joseph’s hobby is using his metal detector at the beach. He loves to hunt for possible treasure in the beautiful white sand. Stephane and Marie-Eve asked if he would help locate the lost wedding band. He gladly joined the hunt. Sadly, they were unable to locate the lost ring. Stephane and Marie-Eve knew they would return home to Canada without the band.
Joseph Cook never gave up looking. He kept coming back to the site where the ring was lost. Eventually he found the lost treasure. He contacted the owners with a video of him digging up the ring in the sand. They were so grateful. Stephane and Marie-Eve drove from Quebec to retrieve the ring and bring Joseph their gratitude. Their expressing of gratitude came in the form of a giant basket, filled with local foods, only found in Quebec. When they reunited, there was a tremendous celebration.
Joseph used his passion and hobby to make a difference in someone else’s life. He could have kept the treasures he found for himself, instead he created an everlasting memory of joy as he reunited a husband with his wedding band. Joseph gave his time, and his talents, to bless this couple that he barely knew.
One of the gifts from Quebec was a coffee mug from a local shop that simply reads, “Help Others.” There is no doubt Joseph can drink from this cup with the knowledge that he has helped others. His willingness to help has made a difference.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
