Today my neighbor was having his large hedge, in his backyard, trimmed by a landscaping company. One of the workers nicely asked if he may enter my property to clean up fallen branches in my yard from their work.

Inside my yard he noticed the multitude of bikes there. He asked if I sell those. No, I get them from the community, to give to those in need in the community. He then said his co-worker does not have transportation, and he gives him a ride to work.

So, I motioned for him to bring Danilo, the co-worker, into the yard. He is short, like myself, so we began looking at bikes that might be a fit for him. We found a perfect one. The chain was rusty, but otherwise in decent shape.

I asked how much longer they would be working, and he said all day. Perfect. I removed the chain to soak in rust remover, filled the tires with air, and cleaned up the bike. I was able to finish in time for their lunch break. Danilo took it for a spin, and it was good.

I gave him a lock, and he thanked me.

This was the opportunity that knocked for me today. This gentleman works, and could save up for a bike. But, how much to they make an hour? $17-$18/hour is a typical wage for this type work. How much is Danilo's rent? Does he send money home to his family? How many children might he have? Those thoughts played in my head, as I quickly decided whether to give him a bike, or save it for a homeless person. It occurred to me that God had placed this worker in my path, and he advocated for his friend, and co-worker.

My heart told me the answer is yes, do a good deed when "opportunity knocks".

I am sure Danilo felt blessed to get this unexpected gift. But, I am the one that feels even more blessed to not have to work so hard, for so little pay, in my profession, without a car to get me to work. So, I must be the one thanking Danilo for humbling me in my abondance. Today I am even more grateful for all I have, and the ability to make a small, but meaningful act of kindness for another.

Sometimes we need daily reminders how much we have been given, and how others struggle to make ends meet.

Luke 12:48: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

Be well.