P.E.I.'s famous potatoes
Do you believe in elves? You know, those magical creatures that come out of
the woods to surprise you with unbelievable services provided in secret? I sure
do, especially since my last visit to Prince Edward Island!
Let me explain.
We had arrived at our first campground on this beautiful island and had enjoyed
our first evening at a dinner murder mystery theatre in Charlottetown. We got
back to our camp late, and we welcomed the softness of our beds, where under our
comfortably warm blankets, we quickly drifted into dreamland.
Early in the morning, just as the sun began to graze its rays over the
surrounding scenery, my wife went for her daily run. She usually runs with only
God as her partner, but today she was also accompanied by the cries of the
highflying gulls. Back at the trailer, I was still in dreamland. I had been
desperately trying to catch up on the sleep I had missed during the many
sleepless nights I had experienced over the past few months, and since I wasn't
awake to tell what the boys were doing, I can only relate the story they told
me! It went something like this:
They were both awakened out of dreamland by the appearance of a pair of elves
who apparently slipped out of the woods and into the trailer. They worked
quietly, only letting dishes clatter together just as they were leaving, and
when this woke me up, a delicious breakfast was on the table and the beds were
made up (I'm not sure how THAT happened, when we were all still sleeping in
them!). When my wife returned from her run, she was greeted by three grinning
faces sitting around the table, all ready to satisfy their grumbling stomachs
with the delicious-looking food.
Would these unseen elves reappear tomorrow?
The next morning, while my wife was out for her morning power run with God, I
woke up to find an elf staring me in the face. I thought he looked like my
oldest son, but I must have been mistaken as he swore later that it wasn't him!
There was the sound of clattering plates and clanging eating utensils in the
background as the elf whispered: "Go back to sleep papa (he called me papa!). It
is still only 5:30 a.m."
"Why not?" I reasoned to myself, and I closed my eyes once again. Sleep wouldn't
return, however, so I enjoyed talking with my Forever Friend instead. I still
perceived kitchen noises and the rush of running elf feet when I finished, and I
decided to join these unseen creatures. By the time my wife appeared, not only
was breakfast ready, but the tent trailer had been readied for our departure as
well!
So do elves exist? My wife swears they do!
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of others? Surprise them by
taking part in an elf's endeavors! Ask yourself how you can make an impact on
someone and take the initiative to carry out your scheme! "Here is a simple rule
of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then
grab the initiative and do it for them!" (Luke 6:31 The Message)
Is there someone who hates you, someone who is trying to make your life
miserable? Instead of seeking vengeance and talking behind their backs, join an
elf! Return their anger with love, and in so doing, let them bring out the best
in you. You will be amazed at the impact you will have in their life. Some of
them will possibly even turn into your closest friends. "To you who are ready
for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in
you, not the worst." (Luke 6:27 The Message)
Perfect love is only possible when God is in us. Rely on Him for this, and enjoy
this pure unbelievable love. "No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one
another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us -
perfect love!" (1 John 4:12 The Message)
Do you believe in elves? It all depends if you are one or not!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.