16 February 2010

I want to be like Ella.

One of my best friends, certainly the friend who has taken the most prank phone calls from me the last few years, writes a blog, Mike in Progess [sic]. Mike helps coordinate a cold-weather shelter in our hometown, which puts him in contact with some amazing people. Meet Ella.

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Ella is 5 years old. She and her family come to the homeless cold weather shelter to serve. Ella can't wait to serve the homeless. Her enthusiasm to serve is contagious. Ella doesn't judge the men and women who come to the cold weather shelter. She doesn't know or care if they live under a bridge or sleep on a bench. Ella serves the homeless without hesitation. She doesn't care if they are dirty or that they smell. Ella has a mission. Her mission is to serve. After dinner Ella will sit down at the table with our homeless guests, talk a million miles a minute and eat a cupcake or cookie with them. Ella doesn't think of them as homeless, bums, addicts or losers. I really believe that she thinks they are her friends. I want to be like Ella.

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...Father, thank you for Ella. You teach us through children. Impress Ella's spirit of love and service on our hearts. In Jesus name...

8 comments:

  1. Me too, Russell. What a sweetie.

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  2. Brilliant- another instance where being like a child shows off God's love. Amen.

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  3. Children see what adults do not--their heart!

    As adults we are so quick to judge never knowing what we are missing out on!!

    Children look into the eyes of the person and want to know what is inside the person. As adults we tend to look at the outside and never take the time to hear their story!!

    Oh to have the heart of a child: unwavering trust, pure intentions and unconditional love!!

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  4. thanks, russell

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  5. Kathleen, Jason, Amanda, and nAncy ... Blessing to you all.

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  6. Wonderful piece Russell...thanks for reminding us "grownups" what life is truly about...

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  7. Thanks Eric ... I like your website.

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  8. The Ellas and the Mikes of this world are proof of the God of this world.

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