By Joseph J. Mazzella

It was a chilly Autumn morning a few years ago. I was driving along the mountain roads slower than usual trying to take in all the fall colors. It seemed like all of the leaves had changed overnight. It looked as if God in his good-humor and love had painted the mountains themselves while we slept.

The yellow and gold leaves were sparkling in the sunshine. The red and orange ones were fluttering brilliantly in the breeze. The deep, rich burgundies and earthy browns were appearing as well. The few remaining green ones looked even better being surrounded by the others. It was so glorious. It was a day made for happiness. Yet, a part of me still felt sad, small and insignificant in the midst of all of this heaven-sent beauty.

As I rounded a curve I suddenly saw an old man hurrying along the side of the road. As soon as he saw me he raised his thumb, hoping for a ride. I braked and pulled over to the side of the road. I opened the door and the white haired man got in with a smile. He was hoping to make it to the local post office and still have time to catch a bus. As I drove along we laughed and talked about what a beautiful day it was. Then just as I pulled over to drop him off he turned to me and said: “Thanks son. You were heaven sent.”

I drove away with a smile on my face and a light in my heart. I wasn’t sure if I had been “heaven sent” for him but he certainly had been “heaven sent” for me. He had reminded me that I too was an important part of God’s creation and that I should enjoy taking my place in it.

In God’s eyes none of us are small. None of us are insignificant. All of us are Heaven sent. We are here to help each other. We are here to share our love and our kindness. We are here to make this world a better and more beautiful place with our lives. May you always take your place in God’s glorious creation. May you always love well and shine bright.