Sometimes You Just Need a Little Help

Sometimes you just need a little help. Actually, sometimes you just need A LOT of help. I have become increasing aware of that lately. Watching men walk in and out of our home, carrying plywood, nail guns, and particle board has been a great reminder. We thought we could do the majority of it ourselves, but soon realized we were in over our heads.

Back in late summer of last year, we had a water/steam leak which reaked havoc on the downstairs area of our house. Everything had to come up...nails, flooring, plywood...everything. We moved ourselves into a hotel and a couple of Pack Rat storage units and got to work. However, we quickly realized we were in over our heads. The work was taking way too long, and a lot of the stuff was too detailed for us to handle.

That’s when THEY showed up - in pickup trucks and trailers...with power tools and hammers...with energy and smiles to boot. I don’t know exactly how many have been in and out of our front door, but finally, the MONSTER - that our home had become - is being tamed...and groomed, all at the same time.

THEY’ve sweated. THEY’ve taken time away from their families. THEY’ve had sore muscles and some slight injuries. THEY’ve worked without complaint and without recognition. And for what reason? Well, I haven’t exactly asked them that question, but I think I know the answer. I think THEY’d tell you it has nothing to do with them and everything to do with Jesus.

Scripture tells us "...let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." I John 3:18 (NAS). Or as the New Living Translation says, "...let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." Somewhere along the way, these men were either taught that verse or learned it for themselves. THEY know that love spoken without evidence, means nothing. But love exemplified is everything.

The ultimate example of love in action can been seen in the life of Christ. He didn’t just tell us He loved us, He proved it on the cross. And THEY’ve exemplified that love to my family, in a very precious way. THEY’ve put my home back together...and I never even asked them to.

Now, I walk through the front door of our home and don’t feel the heavy weight of destruction, but feel humbled by the love of Christ fleshed out in their lives. Jesus has loved me, through them. How precious is that!

So, for all of the THEYs who’ve been used by Jesus in our home, "Thank You." Your love for Him is evident in every nail you’ve pulled up and put down, every board you’ve carried, and every sweat drop that’s fallen from your forehead. "Thank you" for being His example of love still radiant here on this earth.

Jesus, may you bless abundantly and exceedingly, these men and their families, who have exhibited love to my family in the last few weeks. Teach us to follow their example - the example of Christ - and love not just with our mouths, but with our hands and feet. Thank You, Lord for using Your servants to show love to me. You are indeed, amazing. I praise You, Lord. Praise You.