Moving Day
I spent Monday helping a family move into their new Habitat home. It was a great day for moving and we got a lot accomplished by evening. The house is beautiful and very much theirs. The kids were very excited about their new home and new rooms. What a wonderful fresh start and new beginning for them. It is wonderful to be a part of something so good and so right. I was not able to help as much as I hoped with the actual building of the home so I was grateful to be able to help out on moving day along with some others. Habitat is a wonderful organization that has it right by giving a hand up, not a hand out. People need a chance to get a hand up when life has beaten them done.
As I was moving and reflecting on how much help the mom was willing to receive from us and others, I wondered if my pride would hinder me from ever receiving or asking for such help. It is very difficult for me to ask or receive help. Here this mom was letting us unpack boxes and put away kitchen supplies wherever we decided. Here this mom was letting a variety of people come through her home and look through her possessions. That would be challenging for me. I wondered if she was always this open to this or if the situations that she has found herself in the past two years has stretched her to this point. I was mindful that I need to get to the point where I can ask for help – hopefully without having life force me.
I’m taking some vacation days this week before I lose them for 2005. There are some house projects that need time and some dates planned with friends and family. Today I enjoyed some time outdoors with the beautiful weather. I was walking and at one point felt tremendous warmth from the sun on my face. That is such healing medicine for my soul. Thank you, Lord, for the warmth and sunshine of today. What a gift of hope that spring is coming . . .
Peace – Melissa
5 Comments
Mel
Nora – Thanks for your comment and for sharing how you have grown through these experiences. What a rich testimony. I really admire how you have handled all of this and how much you have sacrificed for your kids. You were so patient with them all day long and do a great job balancing it all. I imagine it must be overwhelming some days.
I hope that I can have the same strength and determination in my life situations that I’ve seen in you.
May God continue to bless you, your new home and your family!
Melissa
Nora
Hey Melissa! I was on the church’s website recently, and I ran across your blog. Very surreal to open it up and read something about me! 🙂
Anyway, I just wanted to say a very big thank you for your help getting my kids and I moved in to our new home. You are correct…I have learned so much in the past couple of years about being gracious. In the past, not only was I filled with pride, I was also very cynical about human nature in general. I was convinced that I could trust no one and that everyone was only interested in their own welfare. I guess a loving God decided I needed to not only be brought down a notch or two, but He thought it was necessary that I learn that His people delight in showing His love. The things that have been done for my children and I in the past couple of years have brought me to my knees time and time again. I have cried tears of joy, I have been awed and humbled, and I have learned to be grateful with an open heart. My only hope is that someday I can do for someone else what has been done for me.
God is good. He has taught me about true Christian love and service. He has opened my heart and my eyes to see the good in those around me. He has taught me to be gracious. He has removed my cynicism and my hopelessness. He has given me peace.
Thank you again, from a very grateful heart, for your help. Thank you for showing your love for our Father by showing love to my family.
God’s peace and blessings to you.
Nora
Mel
Kayla – how great to hear from you. What a surprise! Girl – you have a great gift for writing! I miss you!!!
Kim – Hope you are having a great time in Kansas! You are definitely a spaz! I won’t be at church Sunday but will see you on Wednesday I’m sure.
KImo
I got a nex Xanga name it’s shortnstuff89. Ok well I’ll try and give you your Christmas present on Sunday if I get up that early. After all, Saturday night is New Years Eve! Partay! Hehehe I am such a “spaz”! Until next time…
Kim 😀
Kayla
Oh goodness, my pride certainly wouldn’t allow it. I suppose there is something to be learned from this, hm?
And in case a certain Melissa has not noticed, spring is quite awhile away. Whatever is the sun doing out during such a bleak period as this?
Someone does appear to need more comments. I will drop by as often as I can remember to, and it is indeed wonderful that things are going well.