cheerfulJust then I hear a familiar voice. Outside are three of the neighbors. One, an elderly lady who is unable to help lift large boxes, has arms full of tupperware containers. A hot steaming lunch of goulash, carefully stacked cheese & crackers, and a healthy serving of pudding. She's made us lunch!
The other two didn't come to pack either, but to sit with us as we rested and lift our spirits with a loving encouragement and a silly joke. Hugs and smiles and we suddenly are back to packing.
In DC, a busy librarian sends up a quick prayer for smooth travel.
In the mail, a congratulations letter from the neighbor with prayers along with it.
My grandparents eagerly await news of the progress and send their silent 73's over the air.
A church member completes the last of her 40 hours on a handmade, woven 3-D teapot and fills it with teabags for the new apartment.
And another comes by with antique hats that no one has worn in years. I shall indeed dust them off and put them to use!
Sometimes meeting a need and showing love is not in the work we contribute, but in the multitude of other ways that the Father gives us to serve - through gentle words, through bright laughter, and through food :p
And when we have finally arrived and settled my brother into NY, we start on our way to a well-deserved dinner. As we head for the Subaru, we see a lady with a couple guys and a ton of luggage. We pass by the group, since we are all starving and want those subways hoagies. But...well, the guys have carried up arm-fulls of bags and look, there are still a pile of things left. No one speaks, but everyone is looking.
Close the door!
Off we go to carry our share of the load!
Why? Because we are able hands and there is a need. Love meets a need. And not only does it meet it, it pours over overflowing. This is the love of Christ and the love the true Christian matures in by faith.
I Corinthians 13:1-8
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud...
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails...
Thank you to all my dear friends who have shown love to me through your thoughts, prayers, service, fellowship, teamwork, and hugs. May our Father bless you with all the mercy and love that you have shown to me this past spring! :) Amen!
