Texas-sized offer

He dropped off his business card at my house the afternoon of my husband Matthew’s memorial service. I didn’t see him, but he left a message. With a heart as big as Texas, he offered to mow our yard for a season and teach my boys how to maintain it when they were older.

And he did just that. While my head was spinning with the events of the previous few days, God sent someone to lighten my load.

Ziplock treasures

He shows up at my back door every few months with a Ziplock bag in his hand. His words are few, just “I went fishing today and brought you some white perch.” His demeanor is quiet, his actions loud. He wears generosity admirably, and I am blessed by it. I’ve learned to accept the gift and appreciate the giver (and to pan-fry white perch like a pro).

A box of chocolates

She calls every year around Father’s Day checking if we’re in town. “I want to drop off something,” she tells me. The first few years were a variety of chocolates, which the boys and I devoured. Later, she left a healthier choice.

Many people are generous and thoughtful following the death of a loved one. But it’s uncommon to continue blessing someone for six years. Her consideration of my boys, especially during a time when they feel loss, refreshes my spirit.

Be refreshed

Paul tells us that the Christians in Corinth refreshed Titus’ spirit.

By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. (2 Corinthians 7:13; emphasis added)

That is what God has done for me, and I bet He’s done the same for you. He refreshes us through people. He restores our hope with kindness given. It may be through family, friends or acquaintances, or the warmth and thoughtfulness of a good neighbor.

Don’t miss the encouragement God delivers at your doorstep. And take a moment to be a blessing to someone today.