Tis Better to Give than to Receive

In our family, we take this seriously. We like to help people. We like to give. Our girls continuously surprise us with their generous and loving hearts. One of my favorite recent memories is of Claire as we walked home with a precious box of strawberries from the Farmer’s Market: there was a road crew hired to sweep along the gutters and clean the sidewalks, and one lady playfully asked her to share. Without hesitating, Claire opened the box, and gave her one. The woman’s eyes nearly popped out of her head in surprise. But Claire wasn’t finished, she then systematically sought out each worker and placed a strawberry in each of their hands. I’ll never forget the happy determination on her face, or how they all stood amazed as they gazed after this sweet little girl.

I (Audrey) grew up hearing my parents say, “we help each other,” and I say that to our children often. It’s part of our family motto. It’s how we try to bring a little of heaven down to earth.

However, since moving to Africa, circumstances have led us to receive so much. So many things have happened, both large and small, that have made us needy or vulnerable and others have stepped in to help us instead.

At first, I fought it-ok, I still do. Thinking, “no, this isn’t right, I’m the one who is supposed to be helping you!” I have learned that there are many many people who see life the way we do. There are many many generous and loving hearts out there and we have been so blessed by them.

Ainsley cut her lip today. As in, split it into hamburger in several places and caused trauma to an upper tooth. One minute, she’s skipping on the way to school, the next she’s slipped on the curb, hitting her face. The trail of blood on the way to the nurse’s office was epic. This morning was a sweaty whirlwind of emergency doctor and dentist appointments.

She was incredibly brave throughout. She was a trooper through a tetanus shot and countless proddings to make sure she was really ok. When asked if the nurse helped her feel better this morning, she said, “Yes. And she helped clean up Mommy, too-she was a really big mess!”

Ah, Ainsley, even on a day like today she makes me laugh. Now, as my two busy little girls sleep off the stress of this morning, I can see the good. She didn’t need stiches. She didn’t split her chin. She will probably keep the tooth. Friends whisked Claire off to class and strollered Cecily off for a walk while I carried a screaming, blood-dripping Ainsley to the nurse. Friends scrambled to help me carry everything (and everyone) back home quickly and to take over my morning responsibilities at Bible Study. Our pediatrician’s office opened up space for me to bring her right in and our dentist, who was on his way out the door when we showed up unexpectedly, stopped everything and gave her lots of special attention and care. People have been texting and stopping by to see our little patient and shower her with love. She even got purple flowers-her favorite color!

This is just one instance of so many. I’m trying to list them in my journal, to mark each special moment. It is humbling to receive love and help. It is also very beautiful. Tears of stress and joy have finally reached overflow.

The only thing I can give in times like this is thanks. Many many thanks.

But maybe that is giving enough.

Rejoice always,

pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18