We have an annual fair that comes through our town. The many booths are full of delightful, hand crafted items. I am very interested in instruments from different cultures and my hands always itch to try out the unique and beautiful melodies. While walking through the fair, I was delighted to find such an instrument. It is called the Kalimba and was invented by the people of South Africa. A middle-aged couple at the booth were showing people how to use them.
I came back later that day and found a song book on the table, full of hymns. Excited by the titles, I flipped through the pages and started playing on one of the Kalimbas. After finishing a conversation with some other people the man turned toward me.
"Do you have one of these?"
"No sir. But I love to play different kinds of instruments like this one."
"Oh."
I kept on playing the simple, lovely hymns, while humming the tune. The sound was beautiful and I couldn't bear to leave just yet. The man turned and took one of the Kalimbas off the shelf and, grabbing the hymn booklet, placed them on the table. I'll never forget what happened next.
I looked up. The man smiled and said simply:
"You know what? I think you should take this."
"Really?"
He nodded. Tears filled my eyes. I was breathless.
"Wow. Thank-you so much."
His wife gave me a bag to put it in and after saying thanks again I ran home. When I started to tell my parents I began sobbing. The generosity and kindness, goodwill and love of the couple amazed me. God must have known that was what I needed. Not the instrument. But the love of Christ that was seen in those giving people. It was a simple act, yet, so meaningful to me. Thank-you Lord!
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiswprthy-think about such things. What ever you have learned or receved or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9
God is so good!
