Sunday, December 17, 2017: We are commanded in 1 Peter to “Show Forth” the praises of Jesus who has called us out of darkness.
A few months ago, I began pondering ways to be a blessing to someone this holiday season in a BIG way. I began looking at the many ways people have creatively and with much “shock and awe” been able to truly make someone’s day thru giving selflessly. I watched YouTube videos and talked to people with giving hearts for input. We decided to schedule a group dinner at a local restaurant and each person would bring $100.00 cash to bless our waitress/waiter over the check tip we would normally leave.
A total of six people committed and decided to meet at West Monroe Cracker Barrel on 12-3. One person, my eternal brother Tim Smith had to back out but remained committed to send his $$ to be a blessing. I drove to his house and pick up the $$ and met the others at the restaurant. We were seated and quickly knew who our waitress would be. She was waiting on another table when we rounded the corner in the dining area but she did not have a pleasant look on her face. We were certain that our encounter with her would change that.
This was not all about the money we brought to give our waitress Sherie but more about an opportunity to share the Gospel and be a blessing at a time of year when many are not connected to the true meaning of Christmas. We had a great time eating and really connected, making her laugh many times as she came by to serve us.
When we finished eating and all meal checks were given I handed Sherie the first of six $100.00 bills. She thought it was a joke but once the money changed hands and we started, each person, speaking encouragement and handing her money she became very excited. So much that it captured the attention of the store manager and he approached our table and began to thank us for what we were doing. She shared of having three kids, working two jobs and receiving no government assistance and thanked us over and over while others eating were taking note of what was going on.
We left the restaurant very humbled and thankful that we were (collectively) able to share HIS love this Christmas season with a total stranger.
Many thanks to Flo Lively(mom), Earl Wilson, Mike Traxler, Tim Smith, & Amber Lively for your heart and participation. This will become an annual event between Thanksgiving and Christmas!
“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
Proverbs 11:25
Grace and Peace
Gary Lively
A few months ago, I began pondering ways to be a blessing to someone this holiday season in a BIG way. I began looking at the many ways people have creatively and with much “shock and awe” been able to truly make someone’s day thru giving selflessly. I watched YouTube videos and talked to people with giving hearts for input. We decided to schedule a group dinner at a local restaurant and each person would bring $100.00 cash to bless our waitress/waiter over the check tip we would normally leave.
A total of six people committed and decided to meet at West Monroe Cracker Barrel on 12-3. One person, my eternal brother Tim Smith had to back out but remained committed to send his $$ to be a blessing. I drove to his house and pick up the $$ and met the others at the restaurant. We were seated and quickly knew who our waitress would be. She was waiting on another table when we rounded the corner in the dining area but she did not have a pleasant look on her face. We were certain that our encounter with her would change that.
This was not all about the money we brought to give our waitress Sherie but more about an opportunity to share the Gospel and be a blessing at a time of year when many are not connected to the true meaning of Christmas. We had a great time eating and really connected, making her laugh many times as she came by to serve us.
When we finished eating and all meal checks were given I handed Sherie the first of six $100.00 bills. She thought it was a joke but once the money changed hands and we started, each person, speaking encouragement and handing her money she became very excited. So much that it captured the attention of the store manager and he approached our table and began to thank us for what we were doing. She shared of having three kids, working two jobs and receiving no government assistance and thanked us over and over while others eating were taking note of what was going on.
We left the restaurant very humbled and thankful that we were (collectively) able to share HIS love this Christmas season with a total stranger.
Many thanks to Flo Lively(mom), Earl Wilson, Mike Traxler, Tim Smith, & Amber Lively for your heart and participation. This will become an annual event between Thanksgiving and Christmas!
“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
Proverbs 11:25
Grace and Peace
Gary Lively
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