What is in the envelope you say?
Of course, I am going to tell you!
Thanksgiving morning came and so did a gift.
But before I tell you of the gift, let me take you back...
not that far back..but a little bit back so you can enjoy the magnitude of this gift!
With the change of jobs, naturally a person would squirm at the thought of all the money that is still going to be needed..and not available. Cutting back is good and needed often. That was the case with this transition for Larry & I. It has caused some great reflection on what our priorities are and well, I admit, I am spoiled quite often. Also, with noting what has to be cut from our lifestyle, we also noticed what could not be cut...
Rebekah's Dance....
But that's an extra activity - your child does not need to have that to grow up - is the common sense answer... yet, would it be good to take away from a child one thing she has worked hard to become successful and skillful at dance & baton? No, was our answer. Yet, how to keep her in the expensive competiton teams was beyond our scope and we both know it's the one thing that is non-negotiable for us.
As our hearts were decided on this, so were some other hearts we soon found out.
A good good man - who will remain unknown here. Approached me with deep gratitude for the relationship he & I have had over the last 3 - 4 years. There are so many good stories about life change here that well, it's just GOOD!
Naturally, over time, he has become a part of my family as well. The kids think he's great. When he approached me it was simple and clear 'I want to help keep Rebekah in dance simply because you have meant a lot to me and so have your kids. I want to do this, it's important for a little girl.' WOW - GRATITUDE - and shouts for PRAYER ANSWERED!
A couple of months went by and nothing...
I began to doubt he was serious and just assumed there were other obligations in his life...I began to think of other solutions...
Thanksgiving morning. The doorbell rings.
'Got any coffee?' he says as I open the door.
'SURE!'
The kids are all yelling and hollering at him...it's a good sound! Soon, as it is somewhat quiet he stops me and says, 'This is a gift from me and this is a gift from some people who are grateful for what you have done for them and we all wish to remain unnamed.'
It's all I can do to stand up. I am so grateful, the help has come and my hope is restored.
We enjoy a cup of coffee and our friendship. The kids are jumping all over...ok mainly Quinten was jumping! He leaves for his own Thanksgiving celebration. I open the envelopes ...
There was $600 ...
that's a lot of money...
that's a lot generosity...
that means my girl can dance this year...
So, may you never give up on those relationships, may you know that someday that extra moment when you're so tired and don't want to hear another story or give another ounce of compassion, may you find the strength in those moments - because that strength will come back to you when you need it most.
You are loved.
Be my guest...
