by “Just a little lower,” cried a man standing on a stage below. “That’s it. Now, the other side.” The giant “Cupid” figure came to rest in what would be it’s final resting spot. A scrawny boy of twelve climbed down a ladder, wiped his hands off on his jeans, and walked over to the man. “That’s a very good job, Jimmy,” the man commented.
“Thanks, Mr. Smith,” replied Jimmy, just as he was bumped into by a kid walking backward.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” The boy cried.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to–”
“Look. Just stay out of my way, okay?!”
“John? What’s going on up there?” A voice called.
“Oh. It’s just the stage crew getting in the way again. Nothing to worry about,” replied John.
“Let’s take it again with your scene with Sarah,” said the voice. Giving Jimmy a little push, John took his place next to Sarah.
“Don’t let him get to you Jimmy. He’s not–”
“It’s okay Mr. Smith. I don’t mind. Let’s see if we can get some paint on that set.”
“All right, class. It’s time to vote for class representative. I’ve looked over the qualifications, and only three people in this class fit: Harry, Jimmy, and Helen.” The class turned and looked toward Harry, who grinned. “Everybody get out half a sheet of paper and vote for the two people that you think should represent the class this semester.” Getting out sheets of paper, the class began to write.
“Hey, Jimmy,” a friend whispered.
“Yeah, Cody?”
“Do you really think that you can win?”
“I don’t know, why?”
“Well, I’d– Never mind. I hope you win.”
“Thanks.” The class passed in their ballots, and the teacher took them outside.
“I think that I’ll go to the bathroom,” Cody stated, with a grin. He took off, and then returned to report on the counting. “It appears as though it will be you and Harry.”
“Wow! Me. Our class representative. Oh, here she comes now!”
“Class, the winners of the election are Harry and Helen. Congratulations.”
“Hey, Jimmy. This is the best peanut butter and jelly sandwich I’ve had this semester,” stated Cody.
“That’s great Cody. Hey, let’s go do something tonight.”
“I’m sorry, Jimmy, but I’ve got to go to my Aunt’s house and help them move in. It’s my dad’s idea of family bonding.”
“Cody, you know there are sometimes… Oh, never mind. I’ve got a lot of work to do tonight myself.”
“Hey, Jimmy. Thanks for coming tonight, we sure could use the help.”
“Not a problem, Pastor Chris. I like working on stage.”
“Well, I don’t know what we’d do without you. These props and sets are going to be great for our play.”
“Well, I can’t say that it’s the best set–”
“It’s great. Let’s go downstairs and see if your mother needs any help cleaning up.”
Driving home in the car, Jimmy’s mom turned to him and said, “You got some mail this morning, and I put it on your desk.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“How was your day?”
“A rough one, but I’m just happy that I can go home and get to bed.”
“Well, if you need anything–”
“That’s okay. I’m just tired.”
Walking in the house, Jimmy and his mother carried in the groceries. Jimmy headed up to his room to go to bed, when he noticed the letter on his desk. Reaching over to open it, he looked at the address. There was no name on it, just a return address. He ripped open the letter and took out its contents. There was a sheet of folded notebook paper, and a piece of construction paper cut into a heart.
Looking first at the construction paper, he unfolded it, and looked at it for a second. All it said on it was “Happy Valentines Day.” Opening it up, he read, “Thank you for making my day brighter and happier. You’re a good guy, and good guys are hard to find. Hope this day sees you well and happy too. Love, A friend.” Then it stopped.
He looked all over it trying to find a name, but found nothing. He looked at the paper and read its brief contents. There wasn’t much on it, for it was a flier for the play he was working on. Written on the bottom were the words: “With special thanks to Jimmy Russell for all his hard work and good spirit.” He placed the two things on his desk, and got ready for bed. Climbing inside his covers, he turned out the light. As he sat in bed, a tear trickled down his eye, for someone stopped to take notice of him, more than thanks for coming, or you’re doing a good job.
More special to a person is someone who shows that he cares by going above and beyond to minister in little ways that seem so small at the time, yet make such a difference in a soul that just wants someone to take a little notice of the little things. It is small things that make a difference, and small people that can be used mightily. Take time to do something unexpected for someone sometime, for that is what encourages the most.
