simple gifts

What do you do well? A man named James Bridges sings well. In fact, he sings one song particularly well, and he sings it every day, multiple times a day. He doesn’t sing this song on a stage in front of a cheering crowd; he sings it over the telephone to an appreciative audience of one. The song is “Happy Birthday.”

I learned about Mr. Bridges from an interview that aired earlier this week on NewsChannel5, Nashville’s CBS affiliate. Through the years, this Cadiz, Kentucky, resident has compiled a list of people whom he phones on their birthdates to serenade them with the traditional birthday song. He started this ministry of song 15 years ago in response to requests from friends at church, and today there are 2,945 names on his calling list. Each morning he cracks opens the notebook that holds all these names and begins dialing and singing. He hopes to have 3,000 names on his list by the end of the year.

What do you do well? I’ll bet you have a talent, a hobby, or an ability that you could use to brighten someone else’s day. Mr. Bridges’ story reminded me that I should never underestimate the power of a seemingly simple act of encouragement.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).