On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten lords a-leaping.

When I get really excited about something (potential of snow, Christmas, chocolate, etc.), I do something that most people my age do not. I kneel down and hop in the air. My husband and family know this about me and think it’s cute. If I hear something exciting when I’m not at home, I sometimes do a mini hop since it may look strange for a middle-age woman to hop in the air unexpectedly.

Mark 10:46-52 tells the story of an encounter that caused a blind beggar named Bartimaeus to jump (or leap or hop) excitedly up from his place on the road. Bartimaeus heard that a man named Jesus was walking by and he called to Jesus: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! (ESV). The people around fussed at Bartimaeus and told him to be quiet.

Instead of ignoring him, or sending him away, Jesus told the people around to call Bartimaeus to him. When they told Bartimaeus the good news, this is what happened: And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus, (Mark 10:50, ESV). Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted, and he asked to see again. Jesus told sent him away, telling him your faith has made you well (v. 52, ESV).

Bartimaeus was given sight. Instead of going away, he chose to follow the man who had healed him. Several years ago, my husband wrote a song about this story called Get Up and Get Out.

What’s the lesson in the story? Trust in Jesus. Ask him for what you want. Have faith that he will give it to you. And follow the One who answers your prayers.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten lords a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.