Life Lesson Two

If there is one lesson that I have learned in the few weeks its this: I HATE MOVING! There is absolutely nothing fun about it. the packing is horrible, the moving is tedious, and when you finally get to the new location and think it is all over reality strikes. Remember all those boxes you packed? Yeah, now we've got to unpack them all.

The whole process can be infuriating. This time, during the seventh move since high school, things seemed much worse. In every previous move I always had my dad and my grandfather to help me. With my dad in the hospital, and my grandfather's death last October, I felt really alone preparing for this one.

Enter my boys from the debate team. In the spectrum of moving you need some muscle to get the big stuff out. I knew I couldn't do it alone. Fortunately, God supplied help for my need. Four of my students came over and in one afternoon we had all of my stuff moved to my new home. So, to Daniel, William, Wade, and Sean, I am deeply grateful for your help and willingness to give up a Saturday during the summer to help out a teacher that needed it. Not very many students would do that, and I appreciate it so much.

The random act of kindness that my boys gave to me got me thinking about all the random acts that have been presented to our family since my dad found out he had leukemia. People that we have not seen or spoken to in years calling to offer their prayers and willing to do whatever they could to help us.

Through all of this it has been evident to everyone in my family how much impact we have on people we come in contact with every day. Just in the last few weeks I have been reconnected with old friends from high school and college, have been comforted by complete strangers, and have gone from feeling helpless to knowing that the people in our lives will take care of my family.

Just because we disconnect from each other because of life's obstacles doesn't mean we stop caring for each other. Those friendships and relationships are still there just not in your direct line of vision. My challenge to you is to reconnect with an old friend. Just like my boys did by helping me during their summer vacation, you never know how the reconnect could change both of your lives. Make a difference for each other every day. Remember you may not be the one that "needs" the prayer and connection right now (but neither did I a month ago). Keep friends close. You never know what is waiting for you around the corner.