Story written by Tina Kramer
In June the roses explode in a firework of vibrant colors. Visitors to the Hershey Gardens experience a stunning display of over 3,oo0 roses with names like “Lady in Red” and “Miss Congeniality.”1
On Saturday I pack my salad and drive to explore the garden. Once I arrive, I notice something is missing-I forgot to bring a fork. Gazing at my salad, I ponder the possiblity of eating it with my fingers, but the thought of picking up ranch-covered lettuce leaves with my fingers does not appeal to me. The quest has begun; I must find a fork.
Upon entering the gardens, I spy an elegant banquet hall decked with several tables of white plates, dark blue napkins, and, most importantly, silverware. The hall looks fancy, and staff members are busy preparing for a gala event. Should I dare enter the regal room and, like a pauper, ask for a fork? My pride rejects this notion and seeks to find a less humbling alternative.
I recall that in the basement there is a vending machine; per chance one of the items in the machine comes with a fork? It is a long shot, but I meander downstairs and gaze into the window. I see corn chips, granola bars, and cookies- but no fork. Sigh.
Maybe I could walk up to the Hershey Hotel and ask for a fork at one of the restaurants. But the hotel is a lengthy uphill walk, and my energy reserve is low. I decide to swallow my pride, walk into the elegant banquet room, and make my request.
I see a woman who is standing close to the entrance of the banquet hall. She is wearing a black shirt with black pants; surely she must be one of the helpers and would be sympathetic to my need.
“Hi, I am a member of the Hershey Gardens. I brought a salad with me today, but forgot to bring a fork. I was wondering, may I borrow a fork? I promise I will return it.”
With a look of distraction, the woman replies: “I am attending this banquet. Maybe you could ask him.” She motions with her hand to a tall young man wearing a chef uniform.
I approach the tall chef and repeat my request: “Hi, I am a member of the Hershey Gardens. I brought a salad with me today, but forgot to bring a fork. I was wondering, may I borrow a fork? I promise I will return it.”
The tall chef looks apprehensive, as if I have just asked him to do something illegal. He informs me that this banquet is part of the Hershey Lodge. I realize now that my membership to the gardens is meaningless to assist me in my quest. The tall chef directs me to another staff member, named Buck.
Buck is wearing a professional collared shirt and seems to be the man in charge. For the third time, I repeat my plea and hope for grace. “Hi, I brought a salad to eat for lunch today, but I forgot a fork. May I borrow a fork, please? I promise I will bring it back.”
Buck stops his busy life to help. He graciously goes down the stairs and later reappears with the object of my quest-a silver fork. Never has a utensil looked so lovely in my sight. Buck, the good Samaritan, has saved the day!
With a grateful heart, I thank Buck and ask where I should return the fork when I am done with my lunch. He motions to the banquet hall and says, “Just return it to one of the people wearing gray.”
I enjoy my salad and am filled with such joy that God has provided a kind man named Buck to help me with my need. Upon finishing my salad, I enter the banquet hall to return the fork. My eyes search in vain for someone in gray. Instead, I see the first woman I met and hold up my precious treasure. “Look, I found a fork!” I beam with joy like a child who has just found a five-dollar bill lying on the ground.
The woman in black is not amused and says with a tone of dismissal, “Well, this is not the place to return it.”
“Yes it is!” I state firmly as I call to mind the words of my Good Samaritan.
Suddenly, Buck walks into the room. I hand him the fork and thank him for his generosity.
He mentions what a good day it is to eat a salad and then looks intently at the top of my head. His hand reaches for my head as he says, “There is a leaf in your hair. May I remove it for you?”
As I brush the top of my head, the leaf falls to the ground.
“Oh, you got it,” he says with a smile. He says his good-byes and returns to his duties.
I go downstairs to the bathroom and hide in one of the stalls. Tears of gratitude fall on my cheeks as I recall the kindness of this stranger. He showed kindness when others were too busy.
Reflection
How often do I show the same kindness to others? How often have I taken the time to help meet the need of another? Can I show grace in my demeanor even when I have a lengthy to-do list?
Scripture
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 30-37 NIV)
Prayer
Good evening Abba Father,
Thank you for showing a visual picture of grace through this stranger’s kindness. Help me to show the same grace to others, especially when I am feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. Thank you for my loving husband and my caring children who are walking with me on this healing journey.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Shout out to Brenda. Thank you for listening to this story and helping me come up with a title. I’m glad my stories make you laugh.
First photo courtesy of Pexels
Rose photos by Tina Kramer
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