Ten Minutes Counts

The kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.
Luke 13:20-21

During World War II troop trains crisscrossed the United States. Six million soldiers and sailors passed through North Platte, Nebraska on their way to war. North Platte was a farming community of 12,000; a ten-minute stop for the steam trains to take on water and fuel. In those ten minutes volunteers from North Platte and neighboring farm communities offered the troops free homemade goodies: candies, cakes, popcorn balls, apples, sandwiches, milk, and hard boiled eggs. Many of the men who returned from the war, having seen the world and all the wonders and horrors it offers, told how that brief outpouring of affection left a deeper impression than anything else in the war.

I read this incredible story* and felt two strong convictions. First, love and kindness offered in sincerity makes a deep and lasting impression. It will grow and multiple. And secondly, ten minutes counts. Volunteers in North Platte had only an instant to offer their gift. On a rail trip days long ten minutes left a life long impression.

Some days I despair, I am so small in this big world. I want to leave my mark. This story has given me some peace and perspective. Our ten minutes counts. The little acts of hospitality we offer those passing through our lives can make a lasting impression.

* Once Upon a Town, The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen by Bob Greene

Posted 9/6/2006 @ 4:45 PM | Weekly Thoughts