Rosanna strolled through the aisles of the farmers’ market, taking in the sights and the smells of the fresh baked goods and the produce. She approached a stall brimming with hydrangeas, daisies, and blue asters. She couldn’t tear her eyes away. She didn’t need any flowers, but their beauty tugged at her heart. On impulse, she bought two large bouquets.

Her hands full, she took her purchases back to her car and headed toward home. As she passed her neighbor’s house, an idea formed. She took everything into the kitchen, put the food in the fridge, and arranged the flowers into two vases. After writing a short note, she set one on her kitchen counter to enjoy, but took the second back outside. Checking the driveway, she found her neighbor’s car absent. She jogged over to the porch, set the flowers and the note there, and scampered away.

Maria turned onto her street, still stressed about everything that had gone wrong at work. Determined to write her resignation letter as soon as she got home, she pulled into her driveway on autopilot. She grabbed the mail and stopped in her tracks when she saw the gorgeous vase of flowers on her porch. She carried them into the house and read the note.

“Maria, these flowers are beautiful, just like you. Hope they brighten your day the way you brighten others’ lives. A friend.”

Maria leaned against the foyer table, still clutching the note. The stresses of the day melted away. Who could have sent the flowers? Maybe it was someone at work. Suddenly the idea of quitting no longer seemed like the right path. She read the note again. When was the last time she brightened someone’s life? Certainly not today, not with the argument she just had with her boss. Instead of writing her resignation letter, she spent the next two hours writing a list of all the things the company was doing right and praising the work of the people who got them where they were.

The next morning, after picking up an order of bagels and coffee for the entire department, Maria strolled into her boss’s office, a wide smile on her face.

“Jim, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I know things have been tense lately, but…”

Jim rose in his chair and clasped Maria’s forearms. “Maria, I got your email. Your suggestions are fabulous. After our argument yesterday, I was so afraid you were going to resign. If that had happened, I don’t know what I would have done. I’ve already seen the difference in the office this morning. The people you praised have been glowing. I can see real potential here for positive change. Thank you for not giving up on us.”

Maria beamed. “Thanks, Jim. Do you want to go grab a bagel with me before they’re all devoured?”

“Sure. I’ll be down in a few minutes. I want to make a call first.”

                                                                                         ****

Andrea slumped back against her chair. “I don’t know how much longer I can go on like this. I don’t even recognize Jim anymore. He works late every night, and he comes home miserable. He’s always stressed, and snaps at me for no reason.”

Sherri squeezed Andrea’s hand from across the table. “I’m so sorry, sweetie. What are you going to do?”

“I’m not sure what to do. Maybe it’s time for a separation. Maybe if I do something drastic, he’ll start caring about our marriage again.” Andrea’s phone rang. “Hold on, it’s Jim.” She connected the call. “This is a surprise,” Andrea said. “Is everything ok?”

“It’s better than ok,” Jim said. “I wanted to apologize to you.”

Andrea blinked. “For what, specifically?”

“For putting so much into this job and always coming home stressed. We’re making some changes around here, and I think it’s going to turn out to be a much better place to work. I’m so sorry for being such a grouch lately. You don’t deserve to be treated that way. I’m going to come home early tonight. How about if I take you to a nice dinner? I’ll call Emma to watch the kids.”

Andrea’s jaw dropped. “You’re going to get a sitter and take me out to dinner?”

Sherri gave her a thumbs up.           

“I’d love to,” Andrea said. “I’ll see you tonight.”

“I’ll be home by 5:30. Love you,” Jim said.

Andrea disconnected the call and stared at Sherri. “I can’t believe it. It’s like a miracle.”

Sherri grasped her coffee mug and studied Andrea. “What I can’t believe is how different you look now compared to when I came over. I’m so glad things are turning around for you two.”

“Me too,” Andrea said. “Do you want to go shopping to celebrate?”

Sherri’s eyes dropped. “No, I don’t think so.”

Andrea caught the look of regret in Sherri’s eyes. “You’re starting a new job next week. I think you need something new to wear.” She held up a hand. “Before you object, hear me out.”

Sherri drank slowly from her mug. “I’m listening…”

“You’re what? A size 6?”

“Yes,” Sherri said.

“I’ll never be a size 6 again,” Andrea said. “Before the twins came and I was working, though, I was a perfect size 6. I’ve been holding on to all my career clothes, but I’ll never fit into them again. Come upstairs with me.”

An hour later, armed with a full wardrobe of clothes for her new job, Sherri’s heart was light. Andrea didn’t know how badly she needed this. Money had been tight for a while, and Sherri certainly couldn’t have afforded all these clothes. Now she would start her new job with confidence. She lined the dry-cleaning bags in her closet and went outside to weed the garden. It had produced beautifully this season. Maybe she’d gather together a basket of vegetables to give to the neighbors across the street…

 Matthew 22:34-40

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

God, we are first and foremost commanded to love You. After that, though, You tell us to love others. Thank You for the opportunity to do good to others. We may never know the impact we have on someone just by doing a simple act of kindness. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to improve someone’s day. Help us look for ways we can brighten the lives of other people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.