In a time when people are struggling financially to find housing, put food on the table, and meet their basic needs, it would be easy to find money and keep it.

Several weeks ago, the day before Christmas Eve, I spent the better part of the day trying to help a few families with the above referenced issues. 

Dropping a check off to a local oil company for someone's fuel, delivering a gas card for someone who needed to go to the doctor, had no gas and no money, and helping someone pay for a motel room as they were homeless with a baby, were the church's outreach that day.

I would like to say these are rare occurrences; however, these situations are becoming the "new norm."

In the midst of the travel and delivery of goods and services, I became aware that my wallet was gone. Mentally retracing my steps, I remembered placing my wallet on top of my car as I pumped gas. I had driven off without retrieving it.

I called Maritime Farms on Route 1 in Warren where I purchased gas. I explained that I thought I might have lost my wallet there and before I could finish my sentence, the clerk said the sweetest words I'd heard all day: "Is this Bette?"

A Good Samaritan, a kind and honest woman, found my wallet in the middle of the road and returned it to the closest place. 

I retrieved my wallet gratefully, thanked the clerk and was hoping to thank the woman who returned it and made my whole day!   They did not know her, nor did they get her name.

If you are reading this, and you are that woman or you know who she is, please know how grateful I am — not just for returning my wallet, cards, license and a few dollars, but for showing the kindness and generosity of the season, which we often forget in our busyness.

Thank you for restoring my hope and the goodness of humanity we all share by the grace of God.

Rev. Bette Bond, Second Congregational Church, Warren