Sometimes it is embarassing when God shows me where I have been wrong in my conclusions. Tonight I was in Walmart — my passtime outing–buying supplies for the confirmation class I teach. As I was choosing from the selection of small inexpensive photo albums to be used by the kids to record what the have learned each week, I realized that someone was behind me. I turned to find a young man — 30ish–in a uniform resembling a police officer. I asked if I was blocking his way. He quickly assured me that I was not. He was looking for an inexpensive photo album for his daughter. I said I was deciding which albums would attract the attention of 5th & 6th grade confirmation students, that I needed to be careful of price because the church was low in funds. I was talking more to myself than to him. He spoke immediately: “Well, then, get what you think they will like and I will be happy to py for it.” I then tried to reassure him that was not necessary, but he took the 2fers that I found, went to the register, paid for them, leaving them with the clerk. I asked the clerk if she knew him, but she assured me that she did, but he was a guard at the local prison.

There is still good in the world. And some of it passed from a young prison guard to a sometimes cynical, old preacher. Forgive me Lord, of my doubt of you and bless that young guard. May his blessings transform those in the prison as it has this preacher. Amen