This week was winter break at the school where I teach, so it was a good opportunity to do some local shows.  On Thursday morning, I did a program at Woodlands Memory Care Facility right down the road from home.  The show went well enough, and the audience was very responsive and appreciative of both my show and Gospel message.  But the real reason I was there that morning, I pretty sure, was because of what happened afterwards.

As I was bringing props out through the lobby, the son of one of the residents was also on his way out of the building.  He had been there for about half the show, and asked me some questions about my show.  He also mentioned that his mother really loved seeing the rabbit I produce at one point in my show.  

"He's pretty popular," I replied, "everywhere I go, people love him."

From there, the next thing I planned to say was, "I even do shows for jail and prison chapels around the state.  Even the biggest, toughest guys melt when they get to pet Zeke."  But I didn't get that far.  What I was able to get out was, "I even do shows for jail and prison chapels" when he interrupted me.

"That's where I'm going Tuesday." He said.  He went on to explain that it was for something he did 28 months ago back when he was drinking.  (By the way, that's how backed up the courts are around here right now. 28 months!) He went on to tell me he has since joined AA, and told me a bit about that experience and his conection to his mentor.  He expressed concern for his mom, since he wouldn't be able to visit her for nine months to a year, and his sister would be having surgery during this time, too.  He clearly had a lot on his mind.

I did my best to encourage him, promise to pray for him and his mother, and - depending on which facility he went to (he still hadn't been told) - told him what I knew about the chaplains and Bible studies they provided.  Mostly, though, I listened. That seemed to be what he needed most.

That evening was our church's midweek prayer meeting, so - along with several others - I kept the promise to pray for him.  I would ask you to do the same when you think of him.