Dan Kennedy of Salt Lake City was driving to work a few
months ago (March 31st) when a large orange plastic bag fell off of
the Brinks armored truck in front of him as he traveled westbound on I-80, near
Salt Lake City. Afraid that the bag
would create a safety hazard he pulled over to move it off the road. That was when he discovered that it contained
about 75 pounds worth of U.S.
currency. The currency was packaged in
smaller steak-sized packages of fifty and one hundred dollar bills. It was never announced how much money was in
the big bag, but one of the small packages alone looked like it had around
$22,000 in it.
He tried to chase down the armored truck, but wasn’t
successful. So Kennedy took the bag to
work, and immediately called the police.
The bag was returned, unopened, to the Brinks company, which was very
glad to have it back. So glad, in fact,
that they sent Kennedy a reward check for $5000.
Kennedy was surprised to receive the check, remarking that
he was only doing what anyone else would have done, and it never occurred to
him to do anything else (see here for story)
It’s always nice when good things like this make the news,
because by and large the news is full of bad things. Bad things are news-worthy. Bad things draw people’s attention. Bad things make us buy newspapers, and watch
television shows. This probably isn’t
going to change anytime soon, but because we are so quick to notice the bad
things, the good things often fly by invisibly.
And it’s important for us to periodically notice some of the good
things.
So this month I’m spending time noticing the good
things. I’m noticing the people who work
hard to provide a free community meal once a month. I’m noticing the leaders who organize our
summer musical, and the individuals who share their talent in those
musicals. I’m noticing the folk who show
up early Sunday morning to look after the numerous details that everyone takes
for granted. I’m noticing the young
people who are helping with our Youth Sunday this week, and who are part of our
church family in many important ways.
I’m noticing our committed daycare staff, and the energetic and creative
children who are part of it. I’m noticing
the people who generously support our ministry, and those who donate things
when they’re needed. I’m noticing people
who have “small jobs” that make a big difference. I’m noticing those who go out of their way to
talk to visitors and guests, making them feel welcome. I’m noticing those who have been loyal
members of Maple Avenue for
many years, and those who have recently become part of our family.
I’m noticing you.
I want you to know that I’ve seen the good things that
others do in our community, and it fills me with a sense of pride and
gratitude. I notice, but even more
importantly, God notices. And I hope you
notice as well.
Thank you, and God bless!
David
