by Jason Cusati

Created on: November 22, 2008

To me, believing in God and having faith in him are two totally different concepts. I myself have had a couple of experiences in which I know God was by my side. Here is one story that I would like to share.

Just this past year I felt God's presence lingering around me. It was Christmas Eve, and I ventured out to buy someone a Christmas card. I know, I know, talk about last minute. Anyway, I was in line, and in front of me was this boy who couldn't have been any older than twelve. He sat two stuffed animals and a Christmas card on the counter. You could just get the sense that he had been saving all of his money to buy these gifts for his family.

The lady at the register rang up his items, and he ended up being a dollar short. Talk about being let down. This kid's face dropped to the floor as he stood there contemplating what he should do. Just as the lady asked him what he wanted to put back, I reached into my wallet and gave him the dollar that he needed. In a shy and timid voice, he said, "Thank you."

Some people take for granted what a simple dollar bill could mean to another. There's no telling how this boy would have felt if he went home one present short. I know I wasn't about to let that happen. My whole life, I always felt the need to help someone who needed it. Why not? I mean, it's not about the recognition you receive when you do a good deed. It's all about the feeling that you receive, deep down inside of you, that is far greater than any type of acknowledgement. Just to see that boy happy, almost brought a tear to my face.

Later that night my family and I went to church. Even though I must admit, I didn't attend church regularly, Christmas Eve mass was always a family tradition.

As we waited for the mass to begin, I picked up the seasonal missalette, and started to read the first page that I opened it to. It was a scripture from Zephaniah 3:24-18a.

"Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise. When we share what we have been given, with those who have nothing, the presence of the Lord shines forth. This is one of the great ways that we know the Lord is in our midst."

Wow! I couldn't believe my eyes. I felt a smoothing warmness flow through my body. Out of all the pages that I could have read, this page wanted me to read it. No, it wasn't a coincidence, it was God! It was God letting me know that He knew what I had done, and He was grateful. It was messages like this that guided me to a better understanding.

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