[The Value of a Friend] Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Something I've been thinking about lately is what generous and kind friends and family we have. Just when we think things aren't going well or even if things are going great, someone steps in and helps out in an unexpected way.
Recently, a friend from church offered us a brand new compost tumbler, which the company had sent them when the original one they bought came with a couple of parts missing. Turns out they were able to fix that one and didn't need this one. Our friend knew we were serious about composting and thought we could use it. It's turned out to be a wonderful new "toy" for Kevin. He's read all the materials. He adds our kitchen waste and makes sure everything has moisture. Something tells me he can't wait to see that first batch of black dirt come out.
The screening on our porch came loose, leaving a gap that our cats could get through. The 2 x 4 on the bottom had rotted and would need to be replaced. I called my dad, who graciously came to the rescue. He helped us not only replace the rotted board, but tear out the whole framing on that section (a lot of which was headed toward rot) and rebuild it. He had the tools and know-how to get it done. Kevin and could not have fixed it without him.
We have a neighbor who also contributed to the project. He noticed that one small piece of 2 x 4 we used wasn't up to par. It was knotty and had a chunk out of the edge. He had a piece, so he tore out the bad one and put a new one in. He even put a coat of paint on it for us.
I can go on and on about all the other folks who treat us with random kindness--neighbors who lend tools, those who pass along items they no longer need, others who share food or buy us a meal, etc., etc. Kevin and I can only hope that we can repay these good folks with a tomato or two from our garden, picking up an item for them at the store, or taking them to the garage when they're having work done on their car. It's in sharing resources that I think we truly get at the heart of how God intends us to care for others. Greed and gluttony don't get you very far, and certainly don't afford you many friends, at least none who stick around long. When we realize the greatest blessing isn't in what we have, but in who we have in our lives, then all that stuff we think we need no longer seems important.
Something I've been thinking about lately is what generous and kind friends and family we have. Just when we think things aren't going well or even if things are going great, someone steps in and helps out in an unexpected way.
Recently, a friend from church offered us a brand new compost tumbler, which the company had sent them when the original one they bought came with a couple of parts missing. Turns out they were able to fix that one and didn't need this one. Our friend knew we were serious about composting and thought we could use it. It's turned out to be a wonderful new "toy" for Kevin. He's read all the materials. He adds our kitchen waste and makes sure everything has moisture. Something tells me he can't wait to see that first batch of black dirt come out.
The screening on our porch came loose, leaving a gap that our cats could get through. The 2 x 4 on the bottom had rotted and would need to be replaced. I called my dad, who graciously came to the rescue. He helped us not only replace the rotted board, but tear out the whole framing on that section (a lot of which was headed toward rot) and rebuild it. He had the tools and know-how to get it done. Kevin and could not have fixed it without him.
We have a neighbor who also contributed to the project. He noticed that one small piece of 2 x 4 we used wasn't up to par. It was knotty and had a chunk out of the edge. He had a piece, so he tore out the bad one and put a new one in. He even put a coat of paint on it for us.
I can go on and on about all the other folks who treat us with random kindness--neighbors who lend tools, those who pass along items they no longer need, others who share food or buy us a meal, etc., etc. Kevin and I can only hope that we can repay these good folks with a tomato or two from our garden, picking up an item for them at the store, or taking them to the garage when they're having work done on their car. It's in sharing resources that I think we truly get at the heart of how God intends us to care for others. Greed and gluttony don't get you very far, and certainly don't afford you many friends, at least none who stick around long. When we realize the greatest blessing isn't in what we have, but in who we have in our lives, then all that stuff we think we need no longer seems important.