October 2, 2010 Crazy people

Finish this sentence, "A real friend will. . . ."
During the last couple of months I've learned that there's little a real friend won't do. God seems to have organized my friends into a tag team of help and support that has kept me going and provided fuel when this gal has been flat out of energy. No task has been too menial;  no need has gone unmet. They've reached in and let God use their amazing gifts to selflessly give time and energy working in our behalf instead of doing things they would have enjoyed more.
     *Two steamed off and stripped wallpaper with me and painted.
     *One sweated alongside me in the August heat helping in the yard and painting the foyer.
     *Another gave the dog a bath and did the laundry.
     *One moved and arranged furniture, cleaned out the fireplace and brought food more than once.
     *Another put boxes together and helped pack.
     *Some have treated me or our family to lunch or dinner.
     *One gave time when she has few hours off to put painter's tape on before another came in behind her to paint with me.
     *One came in solely to paint the places I couldn't reach.
     *Another blew off the roof and drive.
     *Others have loaned tools and trucks.
     *One has put in weeks of manual labor remodeling and updating the floors, among other things.
     *One helped Tom pack his office.
     *Others have taken time to play, and cry, with me.
     *Others have sent simple messages of encouragement and assurances of their love.

I'm not bragging. I'm humbled by all of this giving. I like to be on the giving end of things as a rule. My pride has suffered since they've been there to witness what was behind the fridge and the washer and dryer. They've seen me when I was just plain scary looking, yet, they've come back to help again in spite of the mess.

What in the world are these crazy people getting out of helping us when we're about to move away? It's not as if I'll be around to return any favors. So what motivates them to give unselfishly and get nothing but hugs and our gratitude in return?

      God's love fills and flows out of each of them. They give because they can't help it: they are loving people. God's love in them and God's love for us has come together in an amazing tapestry of evidence. I don't wonder, "Do they care?" I know they do. I don't wonder, "Does God care?" because He shows me daily just how much He cares through His children who reach out to us and let His love flow into our needs.

Father of Love, King of Glory, You ask us to humbly receive the salvation and love You have for us. There's nothing we can do in return for these amazing gifts. There's no way to repay You but I'd like to try. You know all the gunk in the crevices of my heart, yet You love me and give me hope. You know how I've let things go yet You tell me we can always start from where I am. You cleanse me and make me someone You can pour Your love through to others. Lord, help me express the same love for others that you've expressed to me through Your children!



"Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:7


"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God --" John 1:12


"for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the will be saved." Romans 10:13