As we have had unexpected needs and events occur over the last few months, we have gratefully relied on the help of friends in both big and small ways. When Papa had a serious finger injury in August, we were so blessed to have amazing neighbors who helped us so much. Driving Papa to the hospital, taking multiple trips to bring us things we needed, and being on call for anything we might need were ways that our neighbors helped. Another neighbor took Mama and Timothy to the hospital since the car was not available. It was then that we realized how special friends are. A friend's help in our need is truly a friend indeed.
As we have added milk cows to our farm this fall, we have been blessed on multiple occasions when friends pitched in to help. Whether letting us borrow a piece of equipment or just being honest when informing us about their cow, we have made new friends and been helped by others. It was then that we realized how special friends are.
We were so grateful to Grandma for letting us use her car and to friends who let us borrow their trailer when we brought home our new cow!
Our new cow, Flossie, coming home in our friends' trailer
When a relative was in the hospital and we needed a place to stay between visits, other great friends offered their home and hospitality. Staying with them was a wonderful treat, and they continue to insist that we are welcome anytime. We are so thankful for good friends!
Time with Grandma while visiting our relative in the hospital
Some of our dear friends who hosted us at their home between our visits to the hospital! We were matching that day!
As I think about all the people who have stepped into our lives to help us, I turn my eyes on myself and my family. How can we be the best friends we can be? Are we willing to go the extra mile to help our friends in need? Are we willing to go out of our way to bless someone else? Freely we have received, and freely we should give. We won't always have an equivalent opportunity to repay each friend who has helped us, but we can be a blessing to someone else. We can give of ourselves without expecting anything in return. "God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). It is better to give than to receive.
It's Christmas time now - a time of giving and receiving, sending cards and exchanging gifts. Everyone is happy to do something for others. But after the holidays are over, will we still be happy to bless others? Will we still take heed to our Lord's command to do to others as we would have them do to us (Matthew 7:12)? It's not natural. My selfish flesh wants to think of myself. What can I get? How can I be happy? It takes the grace and strength of our Savior to equip us and help us to fulfill His will and obey His commands. Praise God that His grace is sufficient, and we can "come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16)!
Sometimes helping someone is easier or more convenient than others, but I encourage you to be a friend and let God's love and light shine through you!
Gratefully,
Hannah
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