“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” –Luke 10:25-27
Mike Kastermann understands the importance of gratitude. While getting a drink and gas AmeriStop gas station in Greendale, Indiana, Mike encountered a convoy of soldiers traveling home. The soldiers were getting drinks and snacks for the rest of their journey. Mike Kastermann seized the opportunity to say, “Thank you” to each of the soldiers for their service.
Mike stood at the cash register, waiting for each soldier to make their purchase. As they would come to check out, each solider would receive a thank you from Mike and he would then pick up the tab. It was a wonderful expression of gratitude.
This random act of kindness by Mike Kastermann inspired others. Darlene Davis was a customer in the store while Mike Kastermann was buying snacks for the troops. She waited for the next group of soldiers to come through and she picked up the tab for them.
Jesus reminded us over and over again that the heart of the law was to love God and to love our neighbors. Sometimes we ask ourselves the question, “How can I help?” “How can I make a difference and share God’s love?” Mike Kastermann reminded me that the opportunity to show kindness, to express God’s love, is always before us.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
