“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
Like so many young families, the Valdez family loves good pizza. They love to order out for pizza and enjoy a nice quiet evening at home. Not only do they like pizza, they love their local pizza delivery driver, Derlin Newey. Derlin seems to make the evening pizza dinner a far more exciting experience.
The first time Derlin brought pizza to the Valdez’s home, they were so impressed by his energetic and kind spirit. Derlin, knocked on the door and happily stated his catchphrase, “Hello, are you looking for some pizza?” Derlin is 89 years old. His age and energy captured the attention of Valdez family.
One night, Carlos Valdez ordered pizza and waited for Derlin to arrive. Carlos filmed him delivering his pizza. He put it on social media and Derlin became an immediate viral hit. Everyone enjoyed the enthusiastic arrival of dinner. However, many of Carlos’ friends began to ask why someone who was 89 was delivering pizza? They were concerned that he was experiencing financial hardship.
The Valdez family realized that their friends online may have a point. They decided to raise a little money to offer Derlin. They posted their hopes online and people from all over helped the Valdez family bless their favorite pizza delivery guy. The next time Derlin arrived at their house with pizza, the Valdez family gave Derlin a $12,069.00 tip.
It turns out that Derlin was working to supplement his income. His main source of income was Social Security. Delivering pizza helped to make sure there was enough money each month. When the Valdez family, and so many on social media, offered Derlin this generous tip, they showed the world what it looks like to be a good neighbor.
Derlin’s kindness first captured the attention of the Valdez family. Later, the Valdez family was able to return that kindness to their new friend. We don’t have to be similar to be kind to one another. We don’t have to be the same age or come from the same neighborhood to care for each other. We are simply called to love our neighbors, no exceptions.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
