A quote, posted above my computer, and an article I recently read, prompted these thoughts. Having said that, I can’t describe how painful I find our recent news broadcasts, TV coverage and online posts, nor how blessed I was to read the following newspaper article, so blessed in fact, that it brought tears to my eyes. I hope it’s not fake news but even if it is, it was wonderfully refreshing.
According to the post, a young farmer grew up on land that had been in the family for a number of generations. Because a less than scrupulous relative ended up putting the young man’s ownership of the farm in jeopardy, he found it necessary to put the farming operation up for sale.
With much sadness, I’m sure, he found himself engaging the services of an auctioneer.
According to the newspaper account, 200 farmers attended and the young man quickly realized he wouldn’t have enough money to retain ownership but he started off the bidding. Long story short: nobody else bid on the property, leaving him as its sole owner.
It wasn’t just the beautiful outcome that touched my heart so deeply, it was the care and sacrifice of his neighbours. We’re blessed to live on a street in our part of town where those around us consistently demonstrate their appreciation and care for each other. No matter where we live or what our daily activities, though, let’s be on the constant lookout for ways in which we can minister God’s love.
As for that quote, here it is: “Give what you have; to someone it may be better than you dare to think. No man is so poor as to have nothing worth giving.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” Galatians 5:22
