The Moral of the Story -- Cindy Trane Christeson

“When we succeed in truly thanking God, we feel good at heart. The

reason is that we have been created to give glory to God, now and

forevermore. And every time we do so, we feel that we are in harmony

with his plans and purpose in our lives. Then we are truly in our

element. That is why it is so blessed.”

-- O. Hallesby

“There’s a familiar sound, I think that toot is for me,” a sweet

little voice said.

I was reading a book while waiting to have my hair cut when I heard

those words. I looked around. There in a chair by the window was a cute

little woman in a pink knit suit. She had a matching pink purse and

shoes. She was fairly elderly, but had a youthful twinkle in her eyes.

I smiled and said, “I’m sorry, were you talking to me?”

“I’m just talking to anybody and everybody dear, but I didn’t mean to

interrupt your reading. Reading is marvelous, isn’t it?”

“It is, but I love talking too,” I said and put my book away. “I can

read later. You certainly look beautiful today.”

“God bless you dear. Thank you. I’m waiting for my husband,” she said.

“I thought I heard my husband toot the car horn to let me know he was

here. He comes in to get me, but he gives me time to gather my things

and say ‘goodbye’ to my friends here. I just looked and it wasn’t our

car. But you should look outside, it’s simply glorious today.”

I looked outside and agreed. “You’re right, it is beautiful today.”

“I thank God for today, for everyday,” she added. “My husband is such

a dear. Every week he drops me off to have my hair done and then he picks

me up and we go out to lunch.”

“That sounds like a great routine,” I said.

“It’s wonderful, honey,” she said. “We always go to the same little

spot. They don’t mind that we split our lunch and dessert. The waitress

is a darling young girl and she always asks us about us, our

grandchildren and our great grandchildren. She takes her time with us,

even when the restaurant is busy.”

“I can see why she does,” I said. “It’s always a treat to talk with

someone with such a wonderful attitude.”

“Well, dear, I think we can all choose our attitude,” she said. “My

husband and I had plenty of hardships in life, everybody does after all.

But we learned early on that God makes all the difference in the world.

God has surely blessed us, and every new day that he gives us is another

gift to thank him for.”

A dark green car pulled into a space in front of us. I heard a gentle

horn honk and watched the woman’s husband park and walk slowly to the

salon door.

“There he is, I must be going. Goodbye dear. Remember, God makes all

the difference in the world, and thank God for every day.”

“Thank you,” I said as I waved. “I’ll remember.”

She was right. God makes all the difference in the world and I thank

God for every day.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

cindy@onthegrow.comf7 or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.