Bless This House

After many months of slow, things were happening fast.  We sold our home in Traveler's Rest.  We put down a deposit on a lot and a floor plan to build a home in the Midlands.  Now we were driving out to see the lot wondering if any work had begun.  As we rounded the corner, I could see workers and a huge cement mixer on our lot.  Yes, it had begun.  The foundation of our new home was being poured.

Linda and I got out of the car and walked over to where a man was standing with a clipboard, inspecting the work as it unfolded.  He introduced himself as "Lannie" and made polite conversation.  I wandered across the lot to take a few pictures while Linda continued to talk to Lannie.  When he learned that we are Christians, he got very excited.  He called me back over and said, "I'm a Bible-believing man, and I want to speak a blessing over your new house."  What could I say, but "Thank you."  Lannie raised one hand and began, 

"Lord, bless this new home.  May we build it as though we were going to live in it.  May everything go well with the building, but more than that, let this be a place of peace and joy.  Give this family a ministry in this community so that this home will be a lighthouse to everyone who sees it.  We bless this home in Jesus' name.  Amen."  

Lannie pours foundations for homes, but found an opportunity to speak a word of blessing upon my family and our new home.  Linda and I were deeply moved by his ministry.  Lannie goes into his workday looking for people to bless in Jesus' name.  That's a great way to live and a great way to serve Christ.

You and I will cross paths with people who need a word of blessing; a reminder that God is God; that God is good; that God wants to bless the lives of those who love and trust Him.  May we not hesitate but, like Lannie, seize the moment and speak a good word for God.

A Real Friend

It was a Tuesday night, the night for men’s intramural basketball.  I brought much more than my basketball shoes and sports goggles to the gym that night.  My heart was broken and burdened for a friend facing marital problems.  I faced several frustrations in the office that day.  I was hurt.  I was angry.  I didn't hide it.  I barked at the referees.  A kindergarten teacher would've written a note that said I didn't play very nicely with my friends.  I fouled out.  I took my shoes off and sat at the end of the bench by myself, staring at the floor.  Lost in my thoughts and my embarrassment, I lost track of the game.  The final buzzer was like an alarm clock awakening me.  When it did, I noticed that someone was sitting quietly beside me.  He wasn't one of my teammates.  In fact, I clearly remembered shoving him off of the court during the game so that I could get a rebound.  After a little while, he dared to speak. 

 Dee, I know something is on your mind tonight and I can tell it’s not good. You carry a lot of burdens for many of us, and I think you’re pretty weighed down right now.  I don’t have to know what’s got you down, but I do want you to know that I care.  You’re my friend and I love you. 

Rick’s words were a gift of true friendship because being my friend wasn’t a very easy thing to do right then.  Tough times reveal whether the love we claim for our friends is real.  The Proverbs teach us that,

(Proverbs 17:17) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

A true friend loves you when you’re not the most popular person in the room; when you need more from them than you can give; when others walk away; when you’ve hurt or disappointed them and they have to see through your mistakes and see your heart.  

I saw true friendship at work that night and saw how much I want to be a friend like that to others.  How about you? 

Note: This is one of the stories that will appear in a book I'm working on right now.  The Stories of My Life will bring together a couple of hundred life experiences that have taught me how to live and love.  I'll tell you more when I know more!  Enjoy.