I was awakened in the middle of the night with this story on my heart. I am always uncertain whether to share certain things, and therefore hold back at times.

When our family returned from our vacation in August, as you know Beej was sick. That in mind, the two of us visited his work. We did so to pick up his check (he had worked one week) and to check his work schedule for the next week. I also wanted to let his manager know that he was ill, and we were uncertain about his ability to come to work, but said that we would keep him informed.

You know the rest of the story... Beej went to the hospital, fought a valiant battle, and we watched the Lord unite the body of Christ across the world. The Father in heaven called him home. He never got to cash or spend his $74.00 check, but his heavenly reward surely exceeds his expectation. We his family, have been left to serve our fairest Lord Jesus, and He has allowed us to share Beej's legacy, and see lost people come to Christ. If there had only been one who came, Beej would have counted it gain... even if only seeds had been planted... gain! The Lord has blessed this, and many many have given their hearts to Jesus. Praise His Holy Name!

What you don't know is that a week before we were to head to Tulsa (to share for the first time), I went to Beej's work. He had worked at a clothing store, locally owned, by a precious Christian family. I went there because I did not own a suit that fit me. Being involved in youth ministry for many years, I no longer dressed in suits to attend my Fathers house. I figured that I may need to purchase a couple in order to be appropriately dressed to come before congregations.

I told the staff what I wanted. John helped me find a suit, an extra pair of pants to mix and match, two dress shirts, two ties, two pair of sox, and a new pair of shoes. You see, I was wearing my father's shoes, who had passed 11 years ago. I had had them resoled once, and they were in "need" again. They were good shoes, and I saw no point of replacing them, until now.

John measured the length for hemming my pants, he took meticulous care of me that day. When I was set, I went to the counter with him to pay for my purchases. I waited for him to ring up my finds. He looked at me and said, "Dad and I have talked about this, and we know what you are doing, and we want to support you, so there won't be any charge for these items."

I could not speak. I was overwhelmed. I had easily amassed a bill exceeding $500.00. This only son of his father, had hired my only son, and in an effort to serve the Father, and His only Son, were granting me this mercy, this gift, at a time that they saw that my need was great.

How like our Father and His Son, to reach out to one in need in such a precious and tender way. John, my friend Elsie Jay (who was there to help), and I cried together for a moment.

John, his father Jack, and his mother Joanie had already given so much to our family in Beej's loss. Though we had never met, his parents came to pay their respects at the calling, they had already contributed to one of the "BJ" funds. There was no more need for them to reach out. But they did.

That is the message we need to carry this Christmas. There is always more we can do. Not because anyone else deserves it, but because our Father in heaven does. Surprise someone this season of His birth. Extend a hand of caring, a gift of time or somehow, meet a need. Bring glory to our Father, and His One and only Son, born that we might live!

dad