Simple Things that Make Such a Difference

You may not have known this, but today is National Donut Day.  I realize this may come as a shock to some of you who may be surprised that so significant an observance is relatively unknown to most.  Is this just another excuse to give in to those delicious, round, sweet treats?  Well...yes, but there is more to the story.  It seems that National Donut Day is annually observed in this country on the first Friday in June and was founded not on the ravenous appetites of hungry, overweight Americans, but rather in the context of service.  The Salvation Army is credited with initiating this observance in 1938 to honor women who served in an auxiliary function during World War I, establishing in this country, and in France, what came to be known as Salvation Army Huts.    These huts became respites for soldiers who could find there a warm welcome, conversations of home, and those delicious donuts.  As you might imagine, these huts became quite popular.  Ensign Margaret Sheldon, who is credited with coming up with the idea, spoke of the popularity of the program, writing of one busy day, "Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee."  Sounds like a good day at Krispy Kreme! 

 

 

The above cartoon from the publication "War Cry," shows one of the donut girls, or "Donut Dollies" as they came to be known, cheerfully offering a treasure of culinary delight! To young soldiers, far away from home, some in very dangerous places, a kind word and a delicious donut made a big difference.

 

Stories like this remind us of the significance of little things.  Now some might argue whether or not a delectable donut is indeed a little thing, but sometimes the everyday elements of life that become so routine can suddenly become so meaningful.  Perhaps today there is a word of encouragement, a cup of cold water, yes, even a cream-filled donut that you can offer to someone that will brighten their day, ease their burden, or crack open a hard shell of resistance that has become a barrier. As followers of Christ, we are called to make the most of these opportunities for in doing so, in serving others, we are truly serving Christ.  National Donut Day is another reminder of the simple things we can do that make such a difference. 

 

Well, I must bring this edition to a close...there's an errand I must run, a pick-up that must be made...a solemn observance in doing my part to honor those who so faithfully served.  Let's see, I think I can just make it to Krispy Kreme before my next appointment.

 

Jim Abernathy