By our nature, Jeremy and I love to help others. During the years when homebuilding was at its peak, we felt it was a privilege to give back to our church and community. We helped by giving jobs, donating time and money to build and/or fix stuff, and used our resources to create a non-profit organization within our small town.
Along with the collapse of the housing industry, one of the hardest things to accept has been that we are no longer able to give of ourselves so freely and generously. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a need and thought, “If only this were 2 years ago, I could do something about that…”
Now we are the ones in need. Although our house fire was contained to the kitchen, it burned so hot and with so much smoke, that all of our belongings will have to be thrown away. It’s like we are starting over.
As soon as word got out, our church family stepped up. We were given clothes, food, and gift certificates. The items given were so nice I asked one of my friends if she thought it was weird that my kids were going to be better dressed after the fire than they were before?!?!?!
Lovely ladies have signed up to bring us meals 3 nights a week, for goodness knows…sometime in June, I think. Can you imagine? It’s so wonderful.
But it’s also hard. Hard to be on the receiving end when for so long we were the ones giving. Hard to accept food and second hand clothes. Hard to make each thank you note sound sincere when I can’t find the words to express my gratitude.
Today our Pastor talked about serving others. He said that when we serve others, we are really serving God. He went on about that for a while but I was lost in thought. As difficult as it is for me to accept others serving me, if I don’t allow it, I rob them of an opportunity to serve God.
As uncomfortable as it might be for me, I wouldn’t want to keep anyone from doing what God has asked them to do.
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