CROSS PURPOSES

Pride And Humility

BY BRUCE BENNETT

There were two blokes, John and Roger. John was really religious and Roger was anything but religious. However, one day Roger decided to go to church. When Roger walked in, John was standing up the front praying. He was telling God how good a bloke he was, rattling off the list of stuff that he religiously did for God. John thought he was a good man and was proud of it.

Roger heard all this, as he walked in. He already knew he was bad, but now he felt even worse. So he sat down up the back and hoped no one would notice him. Then he said to God under his breath, “Please God, forgive me because I am a very bad man. I am so bad I don’t know where to start.” He knew he was bad and was ashamed of it.

When Jesus told this story, he said that Roger went home forgiven by God while John went home condemned by God. Jesus’ point is simple, God welcomes and forgives humble sinners.

THUMBS UP to my mystery Star Wars present gifter. It was a pleasure to share my Celebration adventures. May the Force be with you!

THUMBS UP to the Orange Buslines driver, who on his final weekend evening run, came across an 83-year-old man at Orange Train station who had just returned from medical (heart) appointments in Sydney, but became stranded with no way home to Canowindra. (He thought there was a bus he had missed). Well done to the driver for finishing his shift and driving the gentleman home that evening all the way to Canowindra in his own time and his own car. It would have been a freezing night locked outside the train station otherwise.

A HUGE THUMBS DOWN to whoever is doing the footpaths in Edward Street. Six weeks have gone and they are still fenced off. I’m sick of avoiding cars while I go for my walk.

THUMBS UP to the staff at Summer Street Vet for looking after three little guinea pigs for seven days and seven nights. The cost was minimal, they cut their nails, fed them, and cleaned them. I’m over the moon with their service!

THUMBS DOWN Why would anyone break into the Women’s Shed and steal our defibrillator? Well planned. Broke security fencing to get in. So, if you see a defibrillator for sale, contact Orange Women’s Shed.

THUMBS UP I would like to acknowledge Kurt and Joanne from Turtle TCG for their passion and patience with children during a recent Pokémon Trade Night. Kurt was wonderful, taking an interest in children’s collections and advising them on the value of their cards. No question was too silly and his knowledge and passion for Pokémon shone through. We look forward to many more events in the future.

A BIG THUMBS UP to Patrick, one of the personal trainers at Anytime Fitness Orange. I recently watched as Patrick supported a disabled young gentleman with his exercise program. Patrick’s skill, knowledge, empathy and professionalism were inspiring to watch and I am sure that both the young gentleman and his carer were appreciative of their time with him. And actually this is evident every time I see Patrick with his many clients. Patrick is a true ambassador for both Anytime Fitness and the profession he has chosen. Well done.

THUMBS UP for exceptional service and help. BCF is the place to go!! Ask for Tony who goes above and beyond to help his customers, and if the item is not on the shelf, he offers to order it, which he did for me. What a bloke!

A BIG THUMBS UP to Jenny Hazelton and her team at Orange Push For Palliative Care, for the documentary they put on at the Odeon, Live the Life You Please. It was very informative and a wonderful insight as to what is available if palliative care is needed from babies to seniors. Thank you.

THUMBS DOWN to the councillors who last week voted to destroy a remnant box eucalypt grassland in Maramba Road for a few more houses. Ninety-five per cent of this habitat has been destroyed. These Councillors seem determined to make it 100 per cent.

THUMBS UP and a grateful thanks to the “Earth Angels” who came to my aid when I had a bad fall whilst blowing leaves outside of my home. They picked me up and a sweet lady comforted me as I was a little shaken up. Blessings to all those who have care and concern for others.

THUMBS UP to Alison and Sean at the Orange library for helping an elderly gentleman update his NCC.

THUMBS UP to the man who regularly drops into Bowen Public School to give them a number of grocery gift vouchers to distribute among kids from families who are doing it tough. He remains anonymous but has become known at the school as ‘the gift voucher man.’

THUMBS DOWN to idiots who don’t know how to park and park people in.

THUMBS UP to the woman who runs Sippin’ Nutrition in Molong for her friendly attitude and for being so flexible with customers’ requests.

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