Two young girls were walking along one sunny afternoon, when they came upon a field of yellow flowers. As they stopped to admire them, one of the girls recalled that an elderly woman in her neighborhood had grown these same flowers in her yard. However, the flowers had all but disappeared when the woman had become too sick to care for them. Knowing that their elderly neighbor rarely had any visitors, the young girls decided to surprise her with a visit and a bouquet of the yellow flowers. The simplicity of the visit thrilled the old woman, for she couldn't believe that these young girls had taken time out of their day to think of her. The girls sang for her and told her stories they had learned in Sunday School about Jesus and how He loved them so much that He gave His life for them. When it came time to leave, the woman, who had been feeling very lonely, thanked them for coming and as she reached down to hug them whispered to the girls that she knew Jesus had died for her too!

That evening, the woman sat by her bedside and talked to God for the first time in her life. She asked God to fill her with the same love that those girls had shown her. Then, she laid down to sleep for the last time.

If you've been meaning to do something for someone, there is no time like the present. If God has put a thought into your mind, put it into action. Your kind actions may even have an eternal effect on someone's life. You never know if today will be the last opportunity you have!

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.²

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, give me your eyes to see the needs around me, and give me your hands and feet to fill those needs. Give me opportunities to share your love and use me to lead someone to you today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1.    Proverbs 3:27 (ESV).

2.    Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Veronica B.