Generosity of Grace UMC reinforces important life lesson for Britney

During a fellowship at Grace United Methodist Church in Hearne last fall, church members gathered around Britney to express their love and support after hearing her inspirational testimony during the worship service that morning. As Britney continued to talk about the influence of Methodist Children's Home in her life, one of the church members asked Britney about her hobbies and interests.

The question opened the door for Britney to share about her love for music and to reflect on the memories of the countless hours she spent learning to play the clarinet as a young child. She expressed her desire to return to playing the instrument one day, adding that she would first have to replace the old, worn out clarinet that served her so well during those early years.

A few weeks later, upon returning to her home unit after school, Britney's caseworker, Mary Billheimer, presented a special gift to Britney. The black box, which was delivered to the Home by an anonymous donor, contained a clarinet.

"I was so excited; I couldn't stop smiling," Britney said.

Britney's emotions ran from joy and excitement to humility as she thought about this expression of love. As she held the instrument in her hands, she remembered a comment one of the staff members at Grace UMC made during their visit.

"After I told him about my old clarinet, he said the church would try to help me out," she said. "But I didn't think anything about it after that. A lot of times, people will tell you that they'll do something for you but they never do. This act of kindness means a lot to me."

This article appeared in the February 2004 issue of Sunshine. Methodist Children's Home, Waco, Texas