Today I learned a lesson from my husband, which is funny because he isn’t even in the country right now and I haven’t talked to him yet today. In fact, I have probably haven’t even talked to him for a total of 10 minutes in the last week. He left for the Amazon last week to serve people in need on the river, which has a lot to do with what I learned from him.
So, how did I learn something from him long distance and without communication? Through his reputation. Early this morning we had to euthanize our sweet old dog. Very sad. I was trying to wait until Jacob came home on Thursday so he could see her (and dig the hole!), but she couldn’t wait. Dilly (AKA Dally, Dilly Dally, Vidalia….depending on who you are) was a fairly big dog, weighing in at 60 pounds after a month of weight loss, and I was purely dreading digging a hole big enough and deep enough to keep her safe from scavengers. At 5+ months pregnant, it was looking like an even more daunting task.
Anyway, Jacob always tells me that his friend Terry always offers to help with anything while he is gone and feel free to call him anytime. Well, of course I never want to bother anyone. But this time I called Terry feeling completely pathetic for not digging the hole myself, but he was willing to drop everything and help me at my convenience…that brought much needed peace of mind.
So what does this have to do with learning a lesson?
While I was watching Terry work to dig the hole, I asked him what I could do to thank him. Could I bake him something? He said no, having Jacob as his friend was all he needed. He was thankful that Jacob calls him on Monday mornings just to see how he is doing and that he has been a great friend to him. He said he was just happy he could help somehow and that he knew Jacob would do the same for him. Funny thing is, those of you who know Jacob know that he lives to help people and that he truly cares. Everything he said about him is true, I just never knew people noticed. People have been blessed by him. So what did I learn from Jacob? People truly appreciate when you take the time to love them and care about their lives. Jacob is ALWAYS more than willing to talk with or help anyone. We should never give up an opportunity to serve others. God gives these opportunities to serve and if you say no, He will find someone else to do it and you will miss out on the resulting blessing. You never know what it means to the people you serve. And, if you are lucky, one day they will remember that and help you in your time of need. (Or if you are like me you will benefit by association!) I wish I could be more like Jacob. In fact, I may just try that!
Oh, and my mom was there for this whole conversation, so if she didn’t already think he was the perfect son-in-law who could do no wrong, now she thinks he walks on water, too!
And in remembrance of our always-happy dog, keep a positive Dilly-tude! (I was not the one to make that up!)
So, how did I learn something from him long distance and without communication? Through his reputation. Early this morning we had to euthanize our sweet old dog. Very sad. I was trying to wait until Jacob came home on Thursday so he could see her (and dig the hole!), but she couldn’t wait. Dilly (AKA Dally, Dilly Dally, Vidalia….depending on who you are) was a fairly big dog, weighing in at 60 pounds after a month of weight loss, and I was purely dreading digging a hole big enough and deep enough to keep her safe from scavengers. At 5+ months pregnant, it was looking like an even more daunting task.
Anyway, Jacob always tells me that his friend Terry always offers to help with anything while he is gone and feel free to call him anytime. Well, of course I never want to bother anyone. But this time I called Terry feeling completely pathetic for not digging the hole myself, but he was willing to drop everything and help me at my convenience…that brought much needed peace of mind.
So what does this have to do with learning a lesson?
While I was watching Terry work to dig the hole, I asked him what I could do to thank him. Could I bake him something? He said no, having Jacob as his friend was all he needed. He was thankful that Jacob calls him on Monday mornings just to see how he is doing and that he has been a great friend to him. He said he was just happy he could help somehow and that he knew Jacob would do the same for him. Funny thing is, those of you who know Jacob know that he lives to help people and that he truly cares. Everything he said about him is true, I just never knew people noticed. People have been blessed by him. So what did I learn from Jacob? People truly appreciate when you take the time to love them and care about their lives. Jacob is ALWAYS more than willing to talk with or help anyone. We should never give up an opportunity to serve others. God gives these opportunities to serve and if you say no, He will find someone else to do it and you will miss out on the resulting blessing. You never know what it means to the people you serve. And, if you are lucky, one day they will remember that and help you in your time of need. (Or if you are like me you will benefit by association!) I wish I could be more like Jacob. In fact, I may just try that!
Oh, and my mom was there for this whole conversation, so if she didn’t already think he was the perfect son-in-law who could do no wrong, now she thinks he walks on water, too!
And in remembrance of our always-happy dog, keep a positive Dilly-tude! (I was not the one to make that up!)
4 comments:
Sorry to hear about Dilly. You and Jacob are gifts from God to so many... we thank God for you both! Been praying for you this week... without Jacob around!
ditto what Suzanne said!! You two are such the testimony of God's goodness to soo many. I know you are glad to have your hubby back. Sorry about Dilly, too.
I'm sorry to hear about your puppy dog.
How funny.. we were learning the same thing about Jacob in the Amazon! He really is a great guy, you two are a perfect match as I'm sure he's say all the same things about you. We are blessed to have you both as friends!
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