One of my favorite children's books is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day written by Judith Viorst. It has received many children's book awards. It is the story of Alexander who wakes up and things do not go his way. When he gets out of bed, he trips over his skateboard. He is attempting to get dressed and drops his sweater in running water. At breakfast his brothers find prizes in the cereal and he comes up empty. Throughout the day nothing goes right for Alexander.
I have a friend named Alexander. I am so blessed to be his Pastor. He and his family are members of Providence Baptist Church. On a recent Sunday, Alexander had an awesome, wonderful, very good day. He greeted me wearing an outfit that included a vest that was adorned by a pocket handkerchief. He could have made the front page of "Gentleman's Quarterly Magazine." The smile on his face communicated that all was right with his world.
It just so happened that the night before Miss Margaret (my wife) had shared with me a picture of Alexander on Facebook. He was sitting on a stump in the back of his home with his eyes closed.
He shared with his Mom that he was praying for peace in the world. My heart was strangely warmed as I viewed his picture and saw on his face a desire for there to be peace in the hearts of all people and peace throughout the world. I was reminded of the words of Jesus, "My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives give I unto you; let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.'' Sunday morning as Alexander spoke to me I saw peace in his eyes, I heard peace in his voice and I felt peace in his spirit.
Alexander received his breakfast and joined his family at their table. As I was walking by the table, he stopped me and asked, "Doc, would you like to have breakfast with me?" In that moment, God spoke to me through this precious, blond headed Alexander. My heart was filled with joy that he
gave me the invitation to be blessed by joining him for breakfast at Providence.
God sent Alexander as he sends so many children each Sunday with a special blessing for this Pastor. Sunday Alexander had an Awesome, Wonderful, Very Good Day. He also gave his Pastor the gift of an Awesome, Wonderful, Very Good Day that I will cherish forever.