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Just Jimby Bill Dahl
When we first met this guy named Jim, he looked kind of weird He’d just come from work, held a Bible, was tattooed and had a beard
My heart began to melt that evening, as he began to share The rats that crawled across his bed in the dark, were his only care Sleeping on a cot each night, where he worked car repair
He bundled up his hands each night, to keep them from the frigid cold Wrapped himself in several sleeping bags, stained with smells of oil and gas and mold
He had lost his Harley and his job working for some thugs He ended up on the street, alone, penniless and hungry, not one friend with hugs
As the evening continued on and I listened to this dude I was overwhelmed by his authentic sense of gratitude
Although he was actually homeless, he was kind and truly thrilled A new relationship with Jesus was his only source to be fulfilled
I began to hear a voice, in my heart and not my head “Provide him with a place to sleep, a warm and comfortable bed.”
I wish you could have seen his eyes, the look upon his face Through the door to our house he came, filled with gratitude and grace
Late every Friday afternoon, just as it was getting dark You’d hear the rumble of his truck, out front is where he’d park
He would prance into the kitchen, bags overflowing underneath each arm It was payday for our friend, like harvest day on the farm
Bread, bologna, mustard and salami with cheddar cheese and chips to boot Singing as he made sandwiches, like a child on Christmas morning, marveling at his loot
With a huge box of brown bag lunches, for the homeless he’d prepare Personally delivering each one, in Seattle’s skid road square
He would visit his mom all weekend, his love for her so real He’d always make it back it time, to join us for our Sunday evening family meal
Kind, tender and all loving, from this he’d never swerve An unconditional love for everyone, passionately he would serve
I’ll never forget the day he came to me, his heart was truly throbbin “Bill, I believe I’m in love with her.” A dear sweet girl named Robin.
It was really great to see them, carefree as two doves The way they floated in the room, as two that Jesus loves
I’ll never forget the wedding, a little nervous and some strife As they gazed into each other’s eyes, christened as man and wife
Today they have two incredible children, a big house on a Bellevue bluff Filled with joys and toys, but that’s not the important stuff
Today is big Jim’s birthday, it’s not like all the rest All the credit for his transformation, by God’s grace he will attest
It’s not that it’s his birthday that prompted me to write this note to you today It was that voice again, inside of me; “Tell Jim you’re grateful I sent him your way.”
We have come to understand, now matter how weird, beat up or wrecked God’s gifts come in all kinds of wrappers; the best one’s you don’t expect.
Today we’re under the illusion, that His children have to be “our kind” The miracle of Jim, we share to change your mind.
Jim sent us a note just yesterday, grateful that in him we did invest But Jim had it all backwards, Christ used Jim to reveal to us His best.
The next time you meet a person, strange looking, homeless, tattoos and a beard Christ loves this person the same as you, no matter what you think looks weird
We desperately search for the blessings of God, throughout the human race The next time you come up empty handed, look at the closest strangers face
Your head may begin to chatter, “get away from her or him!” Before you act on this reaction, remember it could be your Just Jim.
It’s from the heart we write to you, our friend Jim is just his name God used you to transform our lives. We’ll never be the same
When you look upon the cross, whether you’re happy, rundown or with sneezes Do what Jim’s life has taught us to do; focus on Just Jesus.
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