Paul is 13, Part II

When Matt and I were deciding who to ask to Paul's thirteenth birthday party, we knew we wanted to invite men who have poured into Paul's life.  Those men were gracious enough to pick out Bible verses and write letters about manhood to Paul.  It's our hope that Paul will refer to these items in the years to come when he needs encouragement to stay on the narrow road and to fight the good fight.

One person we invited to write to Paul was Rob Bixby (aka Apostle P).  This is the man that Paul asked to sharpen his Dad's knife this past spring.  Paul is a huge fan of the Apostle P You Tube channel.  Mr. Bixby lives across the country, so we knew he couldn't attend Paul's party, but we asked him if he'd be able to write to Paul.  This was a big favor to ask of a stranger, but he did not disappoint.

The other day Matt and I received an email from Mr. Bixby,  He was holding a knife giveaway on his You Tube channel and he wanted to give one of the knives to Paul as a late birthday present.  He told us to watch the announcement of the winners video later that afternoon, in which he intended to announce Paul as a winner.  We were thrilled.

So Matt asked Paul if he knew that the Apostle P was doing a knife giveaway.  Dumb question.  Paul proceeded to name all the knives he was giving away.  Matt took a break from his work to set up our t.v. to stream You Tube.  Paul had no clue what was about to happen.  I walked into the family room and asked, "What are you guys watching?  Who is this guy?" to add to the ruse.

When the Apostle P announced that Paul was the winner of a small Northwoods fixed blade knife donated by Derrick Bohn of KnivesShipFree.com, his eyes bugged out and his jaw dropped.   Paul has wanted a fixed blade for a long time and this was completely unexpected. Needless to say, our son was elated.  Later, when Paul was talking to me more about the knife, he sighed.  It was the type of sigh I hope to one day hear from him when he tells me he has found the woman the Lord wants him to marry.  Until then, I'm happy that knives are the only thing that will elicit that type of sigh from my boy.

As for Paul's Mom and Dad, we were so encouraged by the Lord's provision of a knife for Paul.  Such a small gift in God's economy, but one only the Lord and his parents knew he wanted.  Our family has been going through a bit of a rough patch lately and it cheered us immensely to know that God has His eyes on us.  He hears.  He sees.  He knows.  He is aware of even the smallest details.  What an awesome God we serve!

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 4:19

(As I understand it, this knife is quite the knife.  It's heirloom quality.  We made sure Paul knows that.  Also, a knife is certainly not a "need," but it sure is cool that the Lord delights to give His children gifts.  Paul has not been begging for a fixed blade, but Matt and I both knew he really, really wanted one.)

Here's the video of the Apostle P making the announcement (it's at about 5 min. in and lasts about 2 min.):