Advent Devotional: Thursday, December 5, 2024

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.  Proverbs 11:25 (The Message)               

Illustrated by Clara Guzman (Age 12)

“Co-Cola,” as my grandmother called the carbonated beverage, was as sacred to her as Starbucks coffee is to me.  Me-Me would sip several Cokes a day out of six-ounce glass bottles – the kind you could return to the store and get a nickel back.  In Atlanta, Coke was king – we opted out of the “Pepsi generation.” Eventually, Me-Me’s doctor prescribed cutting her guilty pleasure down to one serving per day.  No problem.  She just bought bigger bottles!

As a young professional with a real paycheck in the mid-1980s, I wanted to buy my grandmother a special Christmas gift. I quickly realized that she was content in her tiny, tidy apartment and she needed nothing. It was 1986 and a business writer from The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution published a book about the Coca-Cola Company’s disastrous decision to change its beloved classic formula to New Coke. Perfect gift, I thought. Not only did I buy, “The Real Coke, The Real Story,” but I walked the book across the street from the bank where I worked to the newspaper’s offices to request an autograph.  The author kindly scribbled on the inside page, “To Mrs. Harris, The Real Thing.  Merry Christmas, Thomas Oliver.”

My grandmother dedicated her life to teaching and she also served as a principal for many years. When she opened my gift, she grinned and cried, “Oh, little Tommy Oliver!  I’ve been reading his columns and following his career.” What???  She knew this reporter?  “Oh yes, I taught him in sixth grade,” and she proceeded to tell me all about her prize student.

After the holidays, I called “little Tommy Oliver” to share that the book he signed for my grandmother was actually for Mrs. Harris – his teacher from sixth grade!  I wish I had the presence of mind to write down all the accolades that tumbled out next, but I do remember him saying, “Of COURSE I remember her!!  Mrs. Harris was SO MUCH MORE than a teacher she…”  My mind was a blur. I was flooded with emotion by this incredible coincidence and learning of the indelible imprint my grandmother left on this particular student.

Loving God, what a precious gift it is to witness the lasting impact one person can have on another’s life. As we journey through Advent this year, please keep us awake for opportunities to love and encourage your children.  May we be blessed to be a blessing.  Amen  

Terry Gaines

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