They Care that You Care

Today, I am deeply grateful for those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. So many people benefit from your giving!

In his day, the famous actor Paul Newman founded many charities, including the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children battling cancer, AIDS, or blood diseases. One afternoon, he and his wife, Joanne, stopped by the center to have lunch with the kids. A counselor at a nearby table, suspecting the young patients wouldn’t know Newman was a famous movie star, explained, “That’s the man who made this camp possible. Maybe you’ve seen his picture on his salad dressing bottle?” The children were quiet. Blank stares. So the counselor continued, “Well, you’ve probably seen his face on his lemonade carton.” An eight-year-old girl perked up. “How long was he missing?”

The story made me smile. The truth is, children don’t care if you are rich and famous. They only care that you care. When it comes right down to it, it is the same for all of us, isn’t it? The people who are most important in our lives are the ones who care.

Today, let us give thanks to God for those in our lives who care for us, for those who have encouraged us, supported us, helped us, and loved us. And, may we ever be ready to share that same love, encouragement, and support with others.

Let us pray: Loving God, we pray with the words of the apostle Paul, “Blessed are you God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of all mercies and God of all consolation.” Thank you for your mercy and grace, for your love and care, and for friends and strangers who have been instruments of your care for us. Give us open hearts and open hands that we might also be a blessing to them, to you, and to this world you so love. Amen.