“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
7:00 AM, Saturday, April 24, 2025.
The morning Florida sun cast a golden glow over Gateway to Hope at St. Patrick’s Church in Ocala. Volunteers bustled about with warm smiles and helping hands, preparing for another challenging day of service. Among them was our dear Nicki, carefully organizing boxes of fresh produce and pantry staples, ensuring every visitor left with not just food, but dignity and care.
By mid-morning, Nicki was still hard at work, loading heavy boxes of groceries into visitors’ vehicles under the rising heat.
Then, a woman paused after receiving her food. With quiet gratitude, she pressed a small, hand-painted Ocala rock into Nicki’s palm. The rock shimmered with vibrant colors, featuring a whimsical cat wearing daisy-framed glasses. It was a simple but powerful message: “Thank you for your kindness.”
Touched by the gesture, Nicki felt a swell of emotion. “This is so sweet of you,” she said, cradling the little treasure. The woman smiled warmly. “You all don’t hear ‘thank you’ enough.”
That tiny rock became a symbol of something far greater—a reminder that even the smallest acts of love ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
—Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
At Gateway to Hope, every box packed, every bag carried, and every smile shared is a “seed planted in faith”. Sometimes, God sends a humble token—a little painted rock—to whisper to weary hearts: Your work matters.
May we always be humble servants, grateful receivers, and joyful givers—one small rock, one big blessing at a time.
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