...humbled and lessons learned..

This weekend has been very humbling. Obviously living in a small community people know that Will has been unemployed since the end of October. Wednesday was very traumatic for me as the fuel pump in our vehicle went out when I was at the church for Emily-Joy's piano practice. Our Wednesday evening study is the Truth Project, so the church was beginning to have several people arriving for it...long story short, a mechanic friend went under the van and kicked the fuel pump~which was enough to get it going and get us home. But then came the cost of replacing that fuel pump as that vehicle is our only source of affordable transportation. Already there are bills that are not being paid, and this added expense was a HUGE stress for us.
On Friday night we had a house full of people over for the teen progressive dinner. We fed them brownie sundaes. It was a good evening and we had a great time with 30 people here. On Saturday morning Will was picking his phone up from the little counter and noticed an envelope addressed to us -- just our names, no stamp....inside was a large sum of cash. Almost enough to pay for our fuel pump. We got a great deal on our fuel pump through a partner store we have with our little online business (www.lifedesigned.biz), the mechanic was going to charge us $453.00 and we were able to order it (Parts America) and then pick it up at Shucks for $250.00. The mechanics bill was a little less than what he quoted us so the repairs were under 1000.00. PRAISE THE LORD! It was still steep enough to hurt us, but at least some of the sting was taken out.
Saturday evening the door bell rang. Some friends were at the door with arms overflowing with groceries. We were overwhelmed. They dropped it off and left and as we unpacked the boxes we found a card with a check for another large amount. Shock, thankfulness.
Lesson learned. Many people have asked us how we are doing and to let them know if there is anything that they can do for us. We appreciate that, we appreciate their concern. However...it is very hard to ask people for help...of course we need help! But to put a man in that position isn't right. I've seen the concern on my husband's face, I've seen tears in his eyes....I praise the Lord for people who see the need, people who listen to the Lord's prompting and obey. I've learned to just pick up the reins and do something...anonymously leaving cash, or dropping off groceries....taking the initiative and listening to the Holy Spirit in how HE wants us to minister to those who have been put in unplanned situations.
So with a humbled thankful heart I thank the Lord for HIS encouragement, provisions and the lesson learned.