“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27
There is only one good word to describe summertime in the southwest… HOT! Just like Oklahoma, the afternoons in Texas are unbearable. In Waco, the average temperature is just over 91 degrees. If you are not physically strong, the heat can be extremely dangerous.
The paramedics in Waco are used to dealing with health issues related to heat. That is why Paramedic Kent Haney and EMT Matt Linda were concerned when they spotted Margaret Durham mowing her lawn. Kent and Matt had not been called to Margaret’s home. While driving by, they spotted her working in her front yard. They were immediately worried, stopped their ambulance, and went to talk with Margaret.
After a brief conversation, the paramedics learned that Margaret Durham was 98 years old. She told them she had been mowing her own lawn for many years (I can only hope I am still able to mow my own lawn at 98). The paramedics were amazed but expressed their concern. Before Margaret knew it, Matt and Kent were finishing the job themselves.
It was not long until the neighbors realized that an ambulance was parked in front of Margaret’s home. Some of them came over to see what was going on. They quickly realized that they were witnessing a great act of kindness. The neighbors told Kent and Matt that they would be checking on her from that point forward.
There are always opportunities to offer kindness. There are those in our neighborhoods, or near our places of work, that could benefit from our willingness to express our faith through an act of kindness. Kent Haney and Matt Linda remind us that one act of kindness can truly make a difference. Who needs your kindness today?
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
