Our Shepherd’s Sheep

By Chris Miller Story

In December 2009, just before Christmas, the manager of the J.C. Penney’s in McDonough did something very special. For all of the seniors in Henry County, who fell into a certain income bracket, he gave them a special day at Penney’s. This special day included: free transportation from both of the senior centers, a $50.00 gift certificate to be spent on anything but electronics and appliances, 50% off their total purchase, a buffet lunch, Christmas music performed by one of the local elementary school choirs, and a personal shopper to assist them.

Those of us chosen to drive for this event had as much fun as the seniors. The new hair-dos, smiling faces, and arms loaded with “goodies” gave everyone the holiday spirit. Just last week, the first week of January, I had the privilege of hearing one lady’s experience as told to a dear friend of mine who also drives a “Happy Bus”.

Tracy had gone to pick up a passenger at her cancer doctor. He had never met Mrs. Roberts before and began talking to her about her doctor’s visit. It seems Tracy’s wife and Mrs. Roberts have the same oncologist. Tracey asked how long she’d been a patient of this particular doctor and Mrs. Roberts informed him that she had just moved to McDonough from St. Louis, MO right before Thanksgiving. He asked her how she liked living in the South and she said she loved it. Everyone had been so nice. She especially enjoyed Christmas because of what the manager at Penney’s had done.

Tracy said, “It looked like everyone enjoyed their day.” And Mrs. Roberts replied, “Oh, but mine was extra special.”

When Mrs. Roberts arrived at Penney’s she was overwhelmed by everything. She enjoyed the lunch and the children. She even picked up a few Christmas gifts. The manager had made an announcement during their shopping spree that they needed to come back the next day because they were having a “sale”. That’s just what Mrs. Roberts needed to hear. She found the manager and asked him to escort her to small appliances.. Upon their arrival she asked the manager about a particular toaster. It was regularly $61.99. The manager told her that the next day, at 20% off, she would pay around $49.00. Mrs. Roberts told him that since she had moved she’d been needing a toaster and had been praying about it. The manager assured her that when she came back the next day the toaster would be waiting for her.

It was time to load everyone up and head back to the senior centers. Mrs. Roberts said that as she was getting on the bus an employee of Penney’s handed her a wrapped present and told her not to open it until she got home. It was a Christmas present from the manager.

As soon as Mrs. Roberts got home she opened the present. There was her toaster she’d been praying for. She told Tracy, “I’d been prayin’ for a toaster, and not only did Jesus give me one, He gave me the one I wanted!”

This year my prayer is that we will all pray to Jesus believing He will give us what we pray for. Look around you and see all the times He gave you just what you asked for. Remember all the times He gave you what you asked and so much more. Jesus brings healing, comfort, joy, peace. He gives us our daily bread…and the toaster to toast it in!

Love always,

Chris