A Word from Pastor Nathan

We have a young neighbor at the Colonnade Apartment complex who loves to watch for when Thunder and I go outside to play ball. I’m not sure of his age, but my guess is late-elementary school. As much as this kid loves Thunder, I’m convinced that Thunder loves him even more. If I’m honest with you, this neighbor often presents himself as a “know-it-all.” For example, he has instructed me on how to train Thunder, pet her, calm her down, etc. as if he were a professional dog trainer or dog whisperer. You know the type. At first, his suggestions were pretty cute, but after a few play dates, I wanted to avoid him.

Recently, the young boy—whose name I don’t even know—came running to play with Thunder. According to him, he waited patiently at his apartment window until he saw both Thunder and me. He ran with something in his hand: a red, rubber, flashing frisbee. I don’t know how he acquired that frisbee. Perhaps someone had given it to him as a gift. Maybe he bought it specifically for Thunder. What I know beyond the shadow of a doubt is that he couldn’t wait to give it to me so Thunder could have (yet another) toy. As soon as he put the frisbee in my hand, he left to go back home and tackle his homework.

His unexpected kindness toward me and Thunder rocked me to my core. I never expected him to get a toy for my dog, but he did. His joy was in wanting to present the gift. He didn’t stay in the parking lot to “train” Thunder on how to play with the frisbee; his delight was in giving the gift.

This child’s unexpected kindness made me think about God and the love God gives all creation. As we approach Advent, the image in my mind is God waiting at a window, eager for us to go outside, just so God can meet and surprise us with a gift we weren’t expecting.

Peace abundant,