Proverbs 21:1 “My heart
is in the hand of the Lord,
as
the rivers of water: He turns it whithersoever He will.” (KJV)
Recently
I asked the LORD, “What can I do that would bless Your heart this Christmas?” God
quickly replied.
I
had decided to watch television when I found myself captivated by a program that
aired on the History Channel. Holocaust survivors were sharing their personal
stories of survival. I wept! As the tears flowed, I felt a whisper in my heart
speak to the thoughts in my head, “Show loving-kindness to My people.”
The
following day, something peculiar happened. Our next door neighbor approached
me and offered a large bag of day old bagels and cream cheese. He said, “I’m
sure you will know who to give these to.” The wheels in my head began to spin enthusiastically.
I immediately thought, “Perhaps a nearby Jewish Temple.” I planned on offering
the bagel surprise the next day. However, overnight the bagels hardened. Surely God deserved better! So, I decided to bring God's chosen one's the best Kugel, Potato Latkes or
Brisket I could find.
Later the same day, I asked the receptionist at our trailer park, "Can you please help me find the nearest
delicatessen?" She tried to offer a suggestion, but after few hours of driving around town in search of a deli, I was loosing hope. So, I stopped to pray. Immediately afterwards, I learned about one Delicatessen that
sold potato Latkes. However, by then, I was too late to place my request into the chef for the day. So, I returned home.
The
next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and prepared to keep my promise. I eagerly
drove to Wal-Mart and purchased the most beautiful platter and matching bowl that
I could find. Then, I returned to the same Delicatessen as the night before. God
led me straight to the manager. Right away, I shared my testimony with her. Amazingly,
the woman then encouraged all of her staff to help me in my desire to please
God.
Afterward,
I drove to the nearest Jewish Temple to offer my Hanukkah gift. I almost
overlooked the small, humble and hidden building tucked into a neighborhood of modest
homes. I walked up the ramp of the
modular building and searched for an office door. Once inside, I greeted the mild-mannered woman
sitting behind her office desk. “These are for you,” I said as I handed her the
platter of Latkes. Under her breath, the woman softly replied, “I can smell
them,” as her eyes welled with tears. Then, I began to speak in Hebrew. “Baruch
Hashem Adonai.” I said, which means “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
The
woman asked if I was Jewish. I touched her arm and replied, “No, I’m a
Christian.” “Wow.” She said several times. Then, I told her how God had placed
her and Temple Beth Ami on my heart. I shared my testimony. Afterward, I
practiced a little more Hebrew by saying, “"She Elohim yevarach otha.” The
woman began to thank me abundantly. All I could say was, “Not me. Only Elohim! It’s
all Elohim!”
As
I turned to leave, I watched the woman grab for her desk phone. She said, “I’m
going to call the Rabbi and the entire Board right now!” I wished her “Happy
Hanukkah,” and slowly walked away.
During
the drive home, my own eyes welled with tears as I imagined the profound effect
one humble gesture could have on a person’s heart. “Merry Christmas God!” I said
out loud.
Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
To read this author's personal testimony
please go to: http://dlouyoung.blogspot.com/p/store.html
Posts
