When I first purchased my vehicle from a friend of mine, I was warned that there was an issue with my automatic braking system which would not affect the safety of the vehicle but it did illuminate the check engine light. It was a costly repair, so the work was never done. In Florida, that was not an issue because vehicle inspections are not required there. When I moved to the Atlanta area, it was a different story.

As I began to troubleshoot the causes of the check engine light being illuminated, there were several issues. I was able to fix several of them myself, which was a blessing. One repair saved me $800.00! The ABS problem proved to be a bit more challenging. I found a salvage part online and wanted to attempt the repair but needed some guidance. At the missionary guest house where I was staying, there was a mechanic who was recommended. I learned that he had been a missionary for 13 years and thought, perhaps, he might be able to help me.

I called the mechanic and told him who I was and the predicament I was in. He asked if I could bring my vehicle over so he could look at it. I asked him if his shop could do an oil change while they had it. I was also interested in receiving an estimate on replacing the rotors. I knew I could do the work myself, but I did not have the space to work on it and my tools were in storage. He loaned me a car and kept my vehicle for several days.

A few days later, I received a phone call from the shop. They said the vehicle was done and that I could pick it up. It was unclear to me what had been done, but I knew at the very least, the oil change must have been completed.

I proceeded to the shop where the owner went through the details of the work. The oil change was done, the rotors were installed, and the ABS problem was resolved. I noticed the amount on the bottom of the bill was $1,725.91. I was not sure what to think. I saw that he received a good price on the ABS part so I was glad about that. As he finished speaking, he folded up the bill and told me that I did not owe him anything. I was shocked! Not even for the oil change, the price of the parts, taxes…nothing? Wow! I was speechless.

Have you ever been given a gift so generous that you simply could not pay it back? When it happens, a deep sense of gratitude fills your heart and while the words “thank you” seem inadequate, that is all you can say. It is a poignant picture of what Christ has done for us. He sacrificed everything so we would have eternal life. There is nothing we can do to repay Him. All we can say is “Thank You!” We can live out our thankfulness to Him and trust that others will see our good works and glorify Him.

I know of so many who are grieving the loss of loved ones this year. Nothing can be said to take the loneliness and pain away. But, I was reminded that despite the loss that is amplified during this time, we can find joy in knowing that Jesus left everything in heaven, to come as a baby, not to live for himself and his own pleasures, but to die so that we might live forever with Him. He loves us that much, and for that, we can be grateful. May His loving care be your comfort this season. I wish you all a most blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year!

Enjoy the pictures below.

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