The Invitation

It started with a simple conversation. My grandson’s wife, Faye—who lives thousands of miles away in Alaska—mentioned that her grandmother lives just two hours from me. Without thinking much of it, I said, “If there’s ever anything I can do for her, just let me know.”  Faye paused and then shared something tender: “Thanksgiving is really lonely for her. Would you take her out for dinner that week?”  And with joy, I said "yes".

A Meal and a Miracle

I drove to her town with a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers wrapped up for tomorrow’s meal. We went to the new Culver’s restaurant—a simple place, but perfect for a warm meal and warm company and all decorated for Christmas.  She radiated joy, even though she has been through cancer treatment and her eyesight is failing. As we talked, she shared story after story of the miracles God has done in her 82 years of life. After dinner, she directed me to see the Christmas lights downtown, and for a little while, the world felt soft and beautiful—like God was shining light on both of us.

Lessons in Seeing People

Throughout the evening she kept saying, “My family loves me, but they are so busy.” That stayed with me.

Busyness steals so much from us—moments we can never get back, opportunities to love our neighbors right where they are.

But last night, we slowed down together. We shared a meal. We shared stories. We shared God’s goodness. And by the end of the night, joy filled both our hearts.

And I realized how often loneliness hides behind love.
Sometimes loving someone simply means making time.
Sometimes seeing someone means slowing down.
And sometimes the greatest ministry is saying, “I am here.”

A Prayer and a Picture

At the end of the night, she asked if she could pray for safety for me for my two-hour drive home. Her prayer was gentle and full of gratitude.
I sent Faye a picture of her grandma. It brought her to tears—happy tears. She said, “She looks so beautiful. Tell her how much I love her!” It was a blessing for all of us.

A Final Word

Yesterday reminded me that life is full of tiny invitations from God—moments to see someone, to love someone, to step into a story that isn’t our own. This is what it means to thrive on purpose.