When I was growing up I went to a large church every Sunday. Sometimes when asked about my leadership or public speaking I credit this part of my past. It was the kind of place where everyone took their part, there were lots of opportunities to try things, sing, act in little plays, lead groups and have fun with people. One memory that I have is a Sunday service when the minister, Rev. VanderWindt said that he had something in his hand. He said he would give this treasure to any child brave enough to come right up to the front and tell him what he had. Now churches today often have more like a stage atmosphere where everything is on one level, but this was the 70’s and the pulpit was still very much a lofty height that towered over the congregation. With some urging from my parents and with no other children making a move, I sprang into action. In front of that big crowd, I walked to the front and climbed the steps to the higher platform where the minister stood smiling. He opened his hand and showed me what he had, he asked me to tell him what is was. I remember clearly whispering to him that it was a “golden dollar”. This is a long time ago, but I remember instantly knowing that I had said that wrong thing and that he would now say into the microphone to everyone that this little weirdo beside him had mistakenly said golden dollar instead of silver dollar. I remember the panic. However, he straightened up and said into the microphone that I had identified it as a silver dollar and then he handed it to me. I know this story to be part of my very make up, the courage to go up in front of all those people, the pluck to take a chance when no other children were rising, and the result of being corrected so kindly, all has offered me a little confidence. And this was a tiny moment, Rev. VanderWindt has passed on now, but I would be surprised if he remembered it as he quickly sent me back to my seat and continued on with his message that day. All the time we have opportunities like this, to share a silver dollar or to identify a silver dollar. Moments to offer a moment of confidence boosting kindness where we correct quietly or teach or model. I completely believe that we will never remember or notice all these moments that have impact on others. Which means we just have to keep living each day with the knowledge that every golden silver dollar counts.
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