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“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
My cousin, John, has been juggling a lot of projects lately to the point of fearing something would drop – and nothing can drop. Have you ever felt that way? It might be a time of life when your family needs help, you have big work demands pressing in, unexpected challenges arise … all while navigating relational concerns that affect your peace. Something must give.
When life gets overwhelming, we need help. Kudos to my cousin who asked for it. We happened to be coming to town the weekend he needed assistance moving his sister, who is handicapped. Our family jumped in alongside John and his sister’s caregivers. Being from out-of-town, my parents kept inviting him for meals. He accepted and we loved visiting and catching up.
On the last day of the move, John, sat at my parent’s kitchen table figuring out the last few details of installing the TV and getting cable service for his sister. He knows how important that is for a person who lives in bed most of the day… and he was accelerating the process.
John wanted to show his gratitude to us by buying dinner. I know that’s a traditional thing people do after a move, but it wasn’t necessary. My sister, Lori, was already planning a family meatloaf meal and she invited him to come. “Then, what can I do for you,” he asked?
John looked down in thought, wondering how to show his gratitude. Then Lori said, “I know what you can do.” His eyebrows raised hopefully as he looked toward her. The answer came from her heart … in one loving and direct word, “Receive.”
Lori’s sweet gesture emptied the unseen heaviness from the air – the responsibility of managing, accomplishing and reciprocating. It was like exhaling the weight of “work,” followed by a giant inhale of love.
For someone who had been giving, giving, giving … this was exactly what he needed.
John came to dinner that night. The house smelled delicious like something savory was cooking all day. We all gathered around the table – sisters, parents, kids, and grandkids, and we ate until we had our fill. John mentioned a phrase he’s coined for family love that connected this day to his childhood memories of family reunions, togetherness, and loyalty – with a grin on his face he called it “Mafia Love.” “It’s a loyal family bond without all the bad stuff” he explained.
These loving connections seem simple, yet they are life-giving. They enrich our lives and give them meaning. It’s something we can all do; give and receive, it’s like breathing … for our souls.
“ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”