The maple trees in my front yard are the last to lose their leaves in the autumn. So, on a frigid November day, I was grumbling to myself as I raked and bagged the last of my leaves.

Then a cheery voice said, “Good morning!” The woman who reads our gas meter had walked up unnoticed. I asked, “And how are you on this blustery morning?”

“I’m richly blessed,” she said with a smile. After a quick attitude adjustment, I replied, “So am I. Isn’t God wonderful?”

“He sure is,” she answered. “Are you a believer in Jesus too?” “Yes, I am,” I responded, “and He has filled my life with blessing.”

That brief exchange not only brightened my mood, it reminded me that we who believe in Christ are blessed beyond measure. After this sister in Christ left, the sky didn’t seem to be as dark; the wind lost some of its chill; the leaf raking became less toilsome. The Lord had used a fellow believer to turn my attention to Him to see His goodness (Ps. 33:5).

Christians are part of a community. Let’s encourage one another. We never know when a fellow pilgrim may need a reminder of the goodness of God.
  — David C. Egner