Do The Thing

Ok...so it is an odd title, I know.  

This is a story about the importance of "doing the thing"...whatever the thing is.... make the call, write the letter, send the text, make the drive, change your plans to meet the needs of someone else...do the thing.

On Easter Sunday, the boys and I left East Tennessee with my mom and headed to Nashville.  As we were unloading the van, a neighbor approached.  She was selling some type of baked good for a high school fundraiser.  Her father was standing in the distance up the street.  About the time the daughter finished up her order, the father approached.

I know most of my parent's neighbors, but I did not recognize this particular one.  He was very kind and complimentary about my boys, but I could tell he was somewhat stalling the conversation.

I actually got Raleigh on a text conversation, just in case we needed back-up.  Hey, you can never be too careful these days, lol.

We ended the conversation and started to head towards the house and he called us back and started crying.

The kind neighbor said he hadn't spoken to my mom since my dad passed away because he just didn't know what to say.  

He went on to say how much he admired and missed my dad.  He told stories and shared how brave, and courageous and "cool" my dad was.

Most importantly, he said that my dad was not forgotten.

That was probably the most important thing for my mom and I to hear that night.  

I share this story as a reminder that when the Holy Spirit prompts you to do something, do the thing.  When the Lord leads you to encourage someone, do it.  It is probably just what that person needs at that time.