We had our blinker on, ready to pull in to a prime parking space when all of a sudden a man jumped into it saying, "We've been waiting a long time to park here." Where did he come from? It was all very odd and frankly, a bit maddening. The beach was humming with spots hard to come by. As my friend rolled down her window, she was ready for the confrontation. She caught me completely off guard as I heard her shout, "Oh fine. I'll just keep driving around my friend who is going through chemotherapy." Our new foe answered back, "Well, my friend only has one leg."
It was just the comic relief I needed. I could not stop laughing at the absurdity of the exchange I had just witnessed. It was classic! Two people determined to look out for their suffering friends.
It was my first week of chemo and my friend was making sure I was being taken care of. She had taken me to get my hair cut, followed by lunch and now a walk on the beach. Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper. He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." What a beautiful Biblical promise. As we purposefully pour our lives into others, God will fill us up.
Humility is a fascinating concept. On the one hand, you have to humble yourself to accept help from others. It is very hard to admit you need this assistance. One definition says, "Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others in my life." Likewise, if you are the one assisting someone, you are also showing humility in that you're putting aside your own interests, schedules and plans for the sake of another. It's two sides of the same coin that Christ uses to keep us from pride. "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4.
It was a wonderful day with my friend. After we circled the parking lot, a spot did open up for us. Unbelievably, it was right next to the man we had just encountered. We pulled in and humbly unloaded our things. And… yes, his friend really did have only one leg.
Okay, I am laughing so hard I'm crying!!!! I am such goof!! lol! But I would do anything for you!!! love you!
hehehehe auntie wen is the best! I was TOTALLY thinking about this story today cause i saw a guy with one leg….random! love you!
whoooops, that was me. Way to leave yourself signed in on my computer!!
Thanks for Proverbs 11:25 reminder, and the part about two sides of pride keeping us humble. Wise words indeed!!
Such a great story Lori! They just keep getting better! Can't wait to keep reading! Many blessing to you!
Love ya,
Rhonda
Thanks for commenting Brook… even if I am a little confused!!
It is such a great memory, Wendy. Your outspokenness to "one leg's friend" showed me how much you cared.
Thanks so much for reading. I so appreciate you!
Thanks, Rhonda! I love that you're reading along.