Christmas At Denny's

This week's song is "Christmas At Denny's" written and performed by Randy Stonehill. The song was first released in 1989 on his "Return to Paradise" album.

Randy Stonehill released his first album, "Born Twice" some 50 years ago. It was financed by Pat Boone. "Stonehill has said that Born Twice 'was recorded for eight hundred dollars--and sounds like every penny of it!"* He is still actively creating music, performing concerts, and encouraging others on Facebook. His music is always thoughtful, even when it is completely goofy.

Imagine, if you will, a place that is always winter but never Christmas. No, I am not speaking of Narnia, but of Denny's. I had never been much for Christmas songs. I do like a handful of them, but since they get repeated and repeated and repeated each Christmas season, I have grown tired of most of them. There are exceptions, such as this one. "Christmas at Denny's" is not a happy song. It describes a broken man sitting at Denny's on Christmas, abusing the free coffee refills while reflecting on his life asking "what if" but concluding "if only".

The past few years have been difficult for a lot of people. Most people are not designed to stay home. Restlessness abounds. Relationships stretch thin. Normal, whatever that is, is thrown out the window. Many have been separated from loved ones and only been able to see them from afar, if at all. Many have died alone when family and friends should be been allowed to visit.

I have been lucky the past few years. I have been working at home for over twenty years, so being home all of the time did not affect me emotionally. In fact, I have grown to love it throughout the years. I often joke that my commute is from the bedroom to the coffee to the office. It is not as clever as I would like, but it will do. Since we also homeschool our kids, they were also used to being at home. For us, it seemed like the world was catching up to us.

Though I have been fortunate, I know others have not. This song comes to mind. I am also reminded of a homeless guy we used to call "The Walking Man" who always seemed to be on a mission to get somewhere, walking hurriedly down the road. Frankly, I am not sure if he was walking toward something or away. I imagine a narrative of him just giving up one day and walking out, and never turning back.

People hurt. Especially at this time of year. It is hard to tell. We keep up good appearances. So my intent with this post, more than anything else, is to encourage you to encourage others. It does not have to be much. Sometimes a smile can go a long way. Acknowledgment can go a long way. An understanding nod can go a long way. If you see someone this season who seems down, give'm a howdy. Call up a friend you have not spoken to in a while. Waste some grace and mercy and time on them.

Perhaps you feel compelled to do more than that. GO FOR IT. Invite someone to Christmas dinner. Take up a collection of food and get a list of people in need from your city manager. Deliver hams to people in need. Visit a nursing home. Pass out Christmas cards at your local prison for inmates to send to their loved ones. Go to Denny's and buy a guy a cup of coffee. Have a conversation. Look around you. What is within your reach that you can do to bless and encourage others? It can be awkward. I pray you find the strength to leave behind your comfort to bless someone this Christmas season.

Lyrics: https://sonichits.com/video/Randy_Stonehill/Christmas_at_Denny's

* Powell, Mark Allan (2002). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers. p. 879. ISBN1-56563-679-1.