A quote, posted above my computer, and an article I recently read, prompted these thoughts. Having said that, I can鈥檛 describe how painful I find our recent news broadcasts, TV coverage and on-line 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鈥檚 not 鈥渇ake news鈥� 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鈥檚 ownership of the farm in jeopardy, he found it necessary to put the farming operation up for sale. With much sadness, I鈥檓 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鈥檛 have enough money to retain ownership but he started off the bidding. Long story short: No one else bid on the property, leaving him as its sole owner.
It wasn鈥檛 just the beautiful outcome that touched my heart so deeply, it was the care and sacrifice of his neighbours. We鈥檙e 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鈥檚 be on the constant lookout for ways in which we can minister God鈥檚 love.
As for that quote, here it is: 鈥淕ive 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.鈥� Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
鈥淏ut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness鈥︹�� Galatians 5:22
