We had a big surprise at work on Monday, and it was a very cool thing. Mark Beers and Wes Kuntzman, two United Brethren ministers (Decatur and Monroe, Ind.), delivered a big box of goodies to each us at the United Brethren Headquarters. That's ten boxes of goodies. LOTS of goodies. We're talkin' a full turkey, a half-ham, a sack of potatoes, two litres of pop, a box of Stovetop Stuffing, a jar of gravy, a bunch of oranges (very sweet!), a bag of M&Ms, and probably some other stuff I can't remember offhand.

These care packages actually came courtesy of the United Brethren church in Daytona, Florida, where Chuck McKeown is the pastor. Wes Kuntzman is from down there, and that's probably the connection. Daytona is really passionate about doing "random acts of kindness," and this was just an example. They probably figured maybe we were feeling somewhat blue as a result of the October UB election (and we are), so this was a wonderful bit of affirmation. They've been doing creative acts of kindness for people in their community for years--merchants, civil servants, neighbors, anyone. Reach out in love without expecting anything in return.

Mark and Wes had fun delivering the goodies (Wes wore a little Santa hat), and had two helpers (college students, I think). We're talking big, heavy boxes. Pam and I are going to do the ham tonight; I'm not sure when we'll get around to the turkey. We didn't need any of this. But I'm still shaking my head at the thoughtfulness of the people in Daytona. Thanks, Pastor Chuck!