As a banker, Tee had seen his fair share of tricky and fraudulent people trying to cheat their way through the system. But today was different. It seemed like everyone he encountered was trying to pull a fast one on him, and their condescending ways only added to the frustration he was feeling. It was one of those days when you wished you had stayed in bed.
Tee turned into his neighborhood after work and he saw his sweet neighbor, Madea, tending to her immaculate yard. Madea was known for her beautiful garden, and today was no exception. She had an array of flowers in her yard, but what caught Tee’s attention were the Japanese Lillies and her many Rose bushes.
As Madea shared her gardening tips with Tee, he found himself relaxing and forgetting about the challenging day he had at work. Madea’s sweet nature and genuine interest in sharing her knowledge about gardening helped Tee to refocus on the good things in life.
Tee remembered a verse from the Bible that his mother used to recite often, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
As Tee sat with Madea, surrounded by the beauty of her garden, he realized how true these words were. Madea’s presence had taken away his negative thoughts and feelings, and he found himself thinking about the lovely things in life. The beauty of the flowers, the kindness of his neighbor, and the goodness in people.
Tee went back to work the next day feeling renewed and refreshed, and he was able to handle the day’s challenges with a clearer mind. Madea’s simple act of kindness and sharing her passion for gardening helped Tee to see that there is still good in the world, and that focusing on those good things can bring peace and joy even on the toughest of days.
