Friday, Jan 10

Scripture: Galatians 6:2 (NLT) – “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

Message: Headed home after road trips, our family would often stop to visit a Dairy Queen just off highway 75 in Gibsonton, Florida. Ms. Bunny, a sweet middle-aged woman adorned in clown makeup, walked the dining room offering to make balloon animals for children.

Ms. Bunny drove a small older silver sedan that – like Ms. Bunny – was decorated to stand out. The car was covered in Christian messaging reminding folks that Jesus loves you. Whenever we passed the Dairy Queen, it became a family tradition to check to see if Ms. Bunny’s car was in the parking lot. One day, it was not.

The next morning my wife and I both awoke, looked at each other, and said “Ms. Bunny.” God had laid something on our hearts as we slept – Ms. Bunny needed help. We headed to the Dairy Queen as soon as it opened, but, again, there was no sign of the silver sedan in the parking lot. My wife went inside to investigate, while I waited in the car with the kids.

My wife saw Ms. Bunny’s station set up, but no Ms. Bunny. According to the cashier, Ms. Bunny was busy getting ready in the lady’s room. She was running late, because her car needed repair, and she could not afford to fix it. My wife placed money in an envelope which she left in Ms. Bunny’s tip jar. On the envelope, my wife wrote a note that said “This is for your car, you are loved”.

The experience was spiritually inspiring and continues to serve our family as a constant reminder of God’s active participation in our world.

Prayer: O Lord, You are our mighty benefactor, blessing us with amazing grace, love, and compassion. May we serve as Your earthly ambassadors, lifting those around us in Your Holy Name. Please open our hearts to Your loving guidance and dispatch us to those in need so that Your will may be done. Amen.

Matt Patterson