Do you believe in elves? You know, those magical creatures that come out of the woods to surprise you with unbelievable services provided in secret? I sure do, especially since my last visit to Prince Edward Island!

Let me explain.

We had arrived at our first campground on this beautiful island and had enjoyed our first evening at a dinner murder mystery theatre in Charlottetown. We got back to our camp late, and we welcomed the softness of our beds, where under our comfortably warm blankets, we quickly drifted into dreamland.

Early in the morning, just as the sun began to graze its rays over the surrounding scenery, my wife went for her daily run. She usually runs with only God as her partner, but today she was also accompanied by the cries of the highflying gulls. Back at the trailer, I was still in dreamland. I had been desperately trying to catch up on the sleep I had missed during the many sleepless nights I had experienced over the past few months, and since I wasn’t awake to tell what the boys were doing, I can only relate the story they told me! It went something like this:

They were both awakened out of dreamland by the appearance of a pair of elves who apparently slipped out of the woods and into the trailer. They worked quietly, only letting dishes clatter together just as they were leaving, and when this woke me up, a delicious breakfast was on the table and the beds were made up (I’m not sure how THAT happened, when we were all still sleeping in them!). When my wife returned from her run, she was greeted by three grinning faces sitting around the table, all ready to satisfy their grumbling stomachs with the delicious-looking food.

Would these unseen elves reappear tomorrow?

The next morning, while my wife was out for her morning power run with God, I woke up to find an elf staring me in the face. I thought he looked like my oldest son, but I must have been mistaken as he swore later that it wasn’t him! There was the sound of clattering plates and clanging eating utensils in the background as the elf whispered: “Go back to sleep papa (he called me papa!). It is still only 5:30 a.m.”

“Why not?” I reasoned to myself, and I closed my eyes once again. Sleep wouldn’t return, however, so I enjoyed talking with my Forever Friend instead. I still perceived kitchen noises and the rush of running elf feet when I finished, and I decided to join these unseen creatures. By the time my wife appeared, not only was breakfast ready, but the tent trailer had been readied for our departure as well!

So do elves exist? My wife swears they do!

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of others? Surprise them by taking part in an elf’s endeavors! Ask yourself how you can make an impact on someone and take the initiative to carry out your scheme! “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” (Luke 6:31 The Message)

Is there someone who hates you, someone who is trying to make your life miserable? Instead of seeking vengeance and talking behind their backs, join an elf! Return their anger with love, and in so doing, let them bring out the best in you. You will be amazed at the impact you will have in their life. Some of them will possibly even turn into your closest friends. “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.” (Luke 6:27 The Message)

Perfect love is only possible when God is in us. Rely on Him for this, and enjoy this pure unbelievable love. “No one has seen God, ever. But if we love one another, God dwells deeply within us, and his love becomes complete in us – perfect love!” (1 John 4:12 The Message)

Do you believe in elves? It all depends if you are one or not!

Rob Chaffart