The other day I received a telephone call.  It isn't the kind that you want to get.  A friend called to tell me that his 13 year old son had died.  His son, whose name is Justin had lost his battle with cancer.

     We were just finishing up devotions when the call came in and when I returned to the table I couldn't help but cry for the family and their loss.  Justin is surely in heaven I have no doubt about that.  He didn't leave without first leaving his faith as a testimony of the Savior he loved.  But I knew that his mom and dad and sisters and brother were going to miss their oldest brother terribly and I was very sad for them.  We prayed for the family and went about our nightly routine.

     The next day, I called my freinds to see how they were doing and asked if there was anything I could do.  My friends asked if I could make them dinner and I responded that I would do it right away and bring it over. 

     I then gathered my nephew, Shaunan and my daughter Magnalie together.  I told them that we had some ministry to do.  They were both very eager to help.  I explained to them that although we cannot make their pain go away or bring their son back to them, that we could bring them love and care.  "Tonight we are going to bring them love and care" I declared.  Magnalie started right away on making her favorite, corn bread.  Shaunan got out the tools for peeling carrots and potatoes, and I started cutting the keilbasa and began to cook.  With joy and care the children helped me to create a wonderful meal for our friends.  Within a half hour we had a meal made and ready to deliver.

     The next time you find a moment where you need to help the neighbor, a widow, or greiving family.  Bring your children together and make them a part of what you are doing.  Talk to them and tell them what you are doing and why.  This will become a part of who they are as they get older and they will benefit so much from the satisfaction that comes from helping others.