Heart Gifts

 

In 1983, Earl Guynes found out that his wife was expecting their first child, a son.  He was thrilled, but soon realized he would need to sell his prize 1967 Marina Blue Camaro to buy a more practical car, in order to help with expenses.  Jared Guynes first heard the story of what his dad had done during his teenage years.  Earl knew every detail of the car… “1967.  350 V8.  Marina Blue.  White stripes.  Automatic.  Cragar aftermarket wheels.  White letter tires.  Dual exhaust.”  From the first time he heard the story, Jared’s desire was to find his dad’s car and give it back to him.  No one knew of his plan.  Jared was able to find the car in 2022 in Oklahoma.  Although in rough shape, the car was purchased.  Little by little, he began to restore the old car.  Jared was even able to locate a brand-new set of the 15” cragar wheels, just like the ones the car had in the 80’s.  On Earl’s 65th birthday, Jared drove up and handed his dad the keys to the car.  When he saw it, Earl commented that it was a car like the one he had.  Upon further inspection, and comments that were made, he realized it was his old car!  There were tears and a big hug.  Jared commented, “It was one of the best moments of my entire life.  I love you, Dad.  Thanks for the diaper money.”

Leonard and Dorothy Bullock, from Pendleton, Oregon, have lived in the two-story house, across the street from the railroad yard, since 1982.  Due to tough times, the couple has not had extra money for the upkeep of the outside of their house.  For the last four years, Josh Cyganik, a railway worker, has waved to Leonard, but never took the time to talk to him.  One day two teenagers were walking past the Guynes’ house.  They pointed, laughed and said the place looked so bad that it should be burned down.  Josh heard the comments and from the look on Leonard’s face he was aware of the comments, too.  That’s when things changed.  A few days later, Josh went to talk to Leonard to see if he and some friends could come and paint his house.  The hardware store donated paint and supplies.  When Josh posted about the project, on his neighborhood Facebook page, over 100 people showed up on Saturday to help.  Not only did they paint the house, but also fixed up the porch, bought needed supplies and replaced the roof, and made the porch entry wheelchair accessible.  One of Josh’s friends drove by at 10:00 that night and Dorothy and Leonard were still sitting on their porch smiling.

 

Whether it’s a long term, day, or spur of the moment project, may we be quick to give gifts of the heart.

 

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:35