Babba hasn’t watched any television and hasn’t been on Facebook or any other social media for more than two weeks,” my friend said as I asked her how Babba was doing. Babba is 90 years old. He lost his wife Daiki at the beginning of this year. They were married for 60 years. My first thought was concern. “Is he sick? What is wrong?” Babba loves watching the news and other programs, but he prefers browsing social media. The family works during the day, and he has to stay home with his helper. She can speak his language, but he still gets lonely and depressed.

“Babba is painting!” she exclaimed.

“Painting, like with paint and brushes?” I asked.

“Yes!” she replied. “Do you remember that paint-by-number you gave me just before you left the country? I gave it to Babba to finish.”

I was amazed when I saw the photo she sent me of the painting.

I really enjoy painting. It’s a hobby that helps me relax. After a stressful day, I enjoy sitting at my desk and picking up a brush.. I enjoy it so much that I want to share it with everyone. I introduced my friend to painting. She enjoys it but has difficulty with her eyes. When she saw her father getting more and more depressed, she asked him to finish the painting for her. He has done three other paintings and is loving every moment of it.

Often we wonder how we can make a difference in someone else’s life. We wonder if we can be the salt the Bible talks about and make someone’s life a little more colorful. It warmed my heart to hear about Babba rediscovering his talent at the age of ninety. I am praying that the Holy Spirit will speak to Babba in a powerful way as he quietly sits and paints stroke by stoke.

I wanted to help my friend who struggles with depression by giving her the paintings and teaching her to paint, and in return she blessed her father by helping him with his depression.

Sometimes when we make a difference, it is for a person other than we might have intended. God is a God of blessings. He blesses us so we can bless others, and I pray that He will continue to show me how to be a blessing so that His blessings will multiply. I love God with all my heart. He reveals Himself in so many ways especially when I least expect it.
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you”

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