?Come in, Gideon,? I said. ?It's good to see you, but where is God and where's Marla??

?Marla went up the back stairs to the porch. She said that it was such a beautiful day, you probably wouldn't mind if we all sit out on the porch and enjoy the gifts of nature as we talk.?

?That's fine with me,? I replied. ?But where is God? It's already four o'clock.?

?God is never late,? said Gideon and the moment he spoke, the phone rang.

?Go ahead, Gideon, pour yourself a cup of coffee. Pour me one, too, please. I'll be through with the phone in a few seconds.?

Picking up the receiver, I said ?Hello? and listened as a neighbor asked if I could lend him my electric drill. At first, I felt an obvious annoyance at his call, because I didn't want anything to keep me from my appointment with God. Then I realized that it's also important to do whatever one can to help others. There are too many of us who, when we hear of someone needing help, are prone to form a discussion committee rather than actively doing something about it.

?Sure,? I said. ?It's in the garage on the long bench; help yourself. Take it whenever you want. The door is open. Please excuse me. I have company and I've got to go now. Good-bye.?

I turned back to Gideon, who said, ?Let's go and sit with Marla on the porch.?

?OK. I'll take her a cup of coffee,? I replied.

?She prefers water, John. I'll get her a glass.?

To read the rest of the story visit http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com