With all the hubbub of moving and still not settled, I didn’t think I’d have anything to write about this Christmas. THEN, the following event happened to me night before last.

I was in Canton, GA, about twenty minutes from our new (to us) home. Pat was involved with stuff that needed her attention (translate: shopping) so I took in a movie. After the movie was over, I rode Sparky to several stores in the shopping area.

Craft stores always grab my attention. I went into Michael’s and began cruising the aisles that would allow passage for Sparky. Way in the back corner of the store sat a rather jolly looking chubby man, decked out in a Santa Claus suit and muttering something about “Ho, Ho, Ho!” and “Whaddaya want, kid?”.

Lots of parents and their kids (in various frames of mind) were in a line to have their picture taken (for a price, of course!) I was interested in finding out what kind of digital camera the photo gal was using.

I noticed this little girl in line. She particularly caught my eye because of a strong resemblance to my youngest granddaughter, Milena. Milena and I share birthdays. Milena is five a half. I’m………..!

Suddenly, this little gal walked up to me and said, “Will you be my Grandpa?” I quickly looked up at a lady whom I assumed was her mother. She gave me a slight nod as if to say, “It’s okay”.

Realizing that I might never see this little girl again, I said, “Yes, I’ll try to be your Grandpa”. She hugged me and went back to the line. Her mother came over and explained what had just gone on.

Her Grandpa had died last week. Her Grandpa and I looked a lot alike. At five and a half, she was old enough to know that whatever had happened, Grandpa wasn’t coming back. Her mother thanked me for catching on and “filling in”, even though only for a few minutes.

I have a tender heart to begin with. But you must understand that this really grabbed me. My granddaughter, Milena, and her younger brother, Eric Ray, went through the death of their other grandfather a few months ago. It just all sorta clicked.

I believe I was in the right place at the right time. That little experience made Christmas come alive for me this year. We here at Papa’s Pipeline and Inside Out send our best wishes and prayers out to you for a happy, holy holiday with your family and friends. Jesus ain’t still in the manger, folks. He’s alive and well and reaching out to us, hoping we’ll reach back.

I always enjoy hearing from you. Your response to this piece is important to me. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below!  Remember, YOU ARE LOVED!

He IS Lord!

PapaJ