God Joy: A personal experience planned and initiated by our Creator. While you might be an observer, or you might be a participant, it brings a joy that fills to overflowing, and you feel compelled to pass that joy on to others–the joy of God, His love and care. (author’s definition)

Even before I got on my hands and knees to scrounge under the bed, I knew I would only find rolls of Christmas wrapping paper stored there. I looked anyway. A search in the hall closet revealed any available gift bags were either Christmas or feminine in nature. I settled on some plain white tissue paper and found some brown ribbon to hold the two packages together. I wanted the gifts to be “just right,” but banked on the fact the little boy receiving them probably wouldn’t even notice. Or care.

For the past two or three years, I’ve observed an older gentleman, a neighbor who lives on the other side of the street, waiting for a school bus. In the morning a little guy stands beside him. In the afternoon, he waits alone for the boy’s return. I had no personal knowledge or information but assumed he was a grandfather, raising a grandson.

In a neighborhood with no other children his age nearby, and school out of session for summer break, the little boy had no playmates. The thought entered unannounced and very quietly: What could I gift him that would make his time alone more fun? As the idea settled in, I became more and more excited. I genuinely enjoy being part of a surprise, and I could feel the potential for this one.

It had been a while since I’d been around little boys. What was the current trend? What did he even like? What interested him? I wanted to give him something that both suited him and would bring enjoyment.

LEGOS! LEGOS are brightly colored plastic interlocking building blocks that can be used to create whatever one can imagine. I would almost bet money the little boy would like LEGOS.

I did an online shopping search and came up with two items I thought he would enjoy: a spaceship and a dinosaur. Three separate creations could be made using the available LEGOS in each box–six possible from the two. I placed the order and waited for their delivery. Upon arrival, I immediately wrapped them so I could gift them.

Packages in hand, I went to the front door and knocked. I already knew what I was going to say: “My name is Ladonna. I live right across the street from you. I’ve noticed you have a little boy as your roommate. I have something for him.”

The grandfather opened the door, and I delivered the message. The little guy waited inside, out of sight. Grandpa motioned for him to come forward. He introduced me as “the neighbor who lives across the street.”

“Are you my neighbor?” he asked.

“Yes. This is for you.”

His dark-brown eyes went huge behind his glasses. “Is it for my birthday?”

“No. This is a ‘just because.’ When is your birthday?”

“Friday!” Two days off! What are the odds?

“How old are you going to be?”

“I’m going to be eight.”

“Well, this is an early birthday present then.”

His grandfather instructed him to thank me, which he did. I told him he might want to open the gifts before thanking me, as he might not like them.

I nailed it on the wrap job. The outer wrapping didn’t matter as he excitedly tore it off. The first box he opened contained the LEGOS to build spacehips. “LEGOS! i love LEGOS!” The next revealed the one to create dinosaurs. Clutching it to his heart he proclaimed, “I love dinosaurs!” My heart filled to overflowing.

As the scene unfolded, the grandfather shared he had been raising Jarron since he was one year old. “I never expected I would be seventy and raising an eight-year-old, but here I am.”

“Thank God, he has you. God bless you,” was my response.

“It’s better than foster care.” In a sacrifice of self, this loving grandfather could not allow his grandson to be turned over to the system. And he didn’t

With a broad smile spread across his face, Jarron eagerly stated that “maybe” I could come to his birthday party at his aunt’s house. He had already readily welcomed me into his circle.

My visit lasted just a few minutes, but as I turned to leave, his grandpa asked the young boy if he wanted to give me a hug. Oh. My. Heart. This little, almost-eight-year-old boy hugged me and squeezed me with all his might. I melted.

Heading back across the street to my home, my heart burst with joy. And that is the God Joy I want to share with you. May you be as touched by the perfectly planned, coordinated, and timed act of God as I.

I feel personal God experiences are exactly that–personal, not to be publicly broadcast. I am learning, however, that I need to share some so others may see His nature and love, evidenced in “the little things.” My encounter with a little boy was nothing about me. It was all about Him.

May you, too, hear and listen to that still, small voice within. May you experience God Joys in your life and then share the wealth of His blessings with others.