It has been years since a particular event happened in my life, yet every time I see a $50 note, for a second I am transported back in time and reminded of a little boy.
Money was tight. Very tight! In fact I had made arrangements with our electricity and telephone companies to pay our overdue bills in installments. We had 4 young children, my husband was on minimum wage and my mother was living with us while she was undergoing radiation and chemo treatments. Each day was a struggle to put food on the table and there was nothing left for clothing.
This particular day, I was in search of underwear for one of the girls. I spent ages comparing prices and re counting the cash in my purse. I decided to leave it. I just didn’t have the few dollars that was needed for a 2 pack of children’s underwear.
As I was heading for the exit door, I looked down and spotted something peculiar. It looked like a rolled cigaret where the floor tiles met the carpet. I reached down and picked it up. It was a $50 note and I immediately thought of all the things I could do with that $50. 
But I just couldn’t do it. I turned around and headed for the service desk and explained to the stunned girl behind the counter that I had found this $50. She asked if I was sure I wanted to hand it in, and I said yes. So she filled out a form with details about where I found it and my contact information. She said if no one came for it, they would call me to come and get it in two weeks. I left the store, hoping that no one claimed the money. I could surely use it!
The next day there was a knock at my front door. I opened the door to see strangers. A woman with a baby on her hip, and three other children close around her. The eldest child, a boy about 8 years old, held a bunch of flowers.
‘Are you Mrs Stutley?’ the woman asked. I said that I was, and she continued. ‘I just wanted to thank you for turning in that $50 you found yesterday. It belonged to my son, here, and it was pocket-money he had saved all year. We’ve come up from the country to Perth to do our Christmas shopping. When he lost his money we were all heartbroken because there is no way I could have replaced it for him. You see, he earned this money all by himself and money is really tight for us as a family. We didn’t think anyone would hand in money if it was found, but his has been a big lesson for him about honesty. He wanted to spend some of his money to buy you something and I suggested some flowers. I hope that is all right with you. We just wanted to come and say thank you.’
It was a big lesson for me too. Galatians 6: 9 says: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Things did get better, and I was able to pay the bills as they came in.
DJ
(c) DJ Stutley
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I always start the week with a walk around my garden, where I pick a flower or two to bring into the house. This little activity gives me so much pleasure as I place the vase (sometimes two) in pride of place depending on how I feel at the time, and what I have picked. Single roses go in a small vase on the dining table. Gladioli go in the tall thin vase, and on the counter against the wall. Bunches of flowers go in the matching vases in the front room.
