One day as I came into my office, I noticed a single yellow plastic frog. He was posited strategically on my desk. His location required my detecting him upon my arrival to begin the day’s work. This creature’s presence puzzled me and caused me to do some research. Once I had determined his origins, I thanked my benefactor.
Ms. Pam informed me that not only was I welcome to the frog, but that I should be cautioned: if one has only one frog, one is okay, but if one has two frogs then one should know that those two frogs would certainly multiply.
At this point I had a frog and I had a thought to ponder. After a week or so, I purposely addressed Pam with these words, “My frog is lonely.” Within the week I had a second tiny glow-in-the-dark amphibian neatly placed next to my first yellow friend.
Frogs of every description have been arriving in my office for ten years now. I have plastic, wax, pewter, paper, Styrofoam, clay and tin frogs. I have glass, fabric, ceramic, chocolate, greeting card, and candy frogs. My collection includes wind up, bean bag, origami, candle, key chain, fan fob, and stapler frogs. I am the owner of frogs for Christmas, and frogs for doing office work, and frogs that entertain. One of my frogs is for swatting flies. Another frog has the regal purpose in life of holding paper in its mouth. Still another frog is a toy water squirt-gun. And all of these occupy space in my office because sometime ago a friend brought a silly little gift to cheer the day.
Pam and I have not spoken recently, but it is impossible for me to think of my frogs and not think of her. I cannot look at the shelves graced by my green buddies and not consider her friendly act of long ago. Her benevolence toward me has led directly to the kindnesses of many others who have expressed their friendship in this same way. The generosity of one woman has been multiplied in my life a hundred times over.
You and I do not know the outcome of an isolated expression of love. What you do for another may have achieved all it will do in a single moment. But some of what we do has a life which exceeds the moment; it brings joy and pleasure over and over again. A simple act of friendship may warm a heart for years, bringing light and health and connection and affirmation to a grateful soul.
I am grateful for the gift Pam gave and all of Pam’s frogs. There is a very real sense in which every frog received has its origin with her. What a lesson in giving! What we choose to do for others blesses. Give. And know it will be multiplied in this act or in some other, but God will surely use your generosity to enrich others. Repeatedly.
Tim Gramly
Education Pastor
South Haven Baptist Church
Belton, Missouri
August 26, 2009
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