Several weeks ago, I was asked to write a story for a friend. Her father’s birthday was coming up, and she wanted to do something a little different – she wanted a story written about his unique hobby and the talent it requires.

When she asked if I would write the story, there was no question: Of course I would.

Time slipped by and she called to remind me of his November birthday. I had forgotten, and immediately set out to complete my assignment. I had met her father a couple of months earlier and he was a sweet man, so I knew it would be a fun project.

When I completed the story, I drove to his home to take pictures and hustled to send them off before the deadline. Finishing this project, I felt satisfied I had done my part in helping a friend bring birthday joy to her father.

Little did I know how much joy would spill over from one little story. It came out in the paper, and two days later the subject and his wife were at my doorstep with two Thanksgiving turkeys, telling how pleased they were with the piece.

My jaw dropped open and with gratitude, I took the gift while shaking my head in amazement. I don’t usually receive gifts after writing a story.

A week later, an envelope came in the mail with more gift certificates from the rest of the family, expressing their gratitude for the story and the impact it had on their family.

This outpouring of gifts was amazing, but it also made me think about the big picture. One person’s pursuit of the perfect birthday gift for someone she loved turned into blessings for so many. All she wanted to do was give her father a gift – and her move spurred gifts to my family as well.

She did her part; I did mine. Had she tried to write the story, she may have given up in frustration and bought him a necktie instead. I wouldn’t have a huge turkey in my freezer with a couple of bags of frozen leftovers. Instead, she asked me to do what I’m designed to do and it was not only easy, but also enjoyable for me.
Now, because she did her part and I did mine, I will be feeding turkey pot pie to a table of hungry mouths this afternoon, and I have enough turkey for two weeks of meals, plus gift certificates for dinner out. No necktie could do that.

In several days, we will be celebrating one gift given to all of us by God. His gift didn’t require anyone to write a story or buy a turkey. His gift is free, and with that gift comes blessings that last for eternity. No necktie could do that, either.

Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.