I have gotten rid of boatloads of stuff since my husbands death. I had a pile of metal items and had good intentions to take them to the recycle place and get a few dollars. I also had a metal swing out in the front yard that we used to spend our evenings on, planning, reminiscing etc. I don’t care how many times I moved that silly swing or even when I would sit on it….I simply could not get a vision of him out of it. So, when the center seat accidentally got damaged, I finally gave up and decided to get rid of it. I saw an ad on the message board for a metal scavanger and I responded to the ad. I also had a ceiling fan and a few other things. The ad sponsor agreed to taking them, set a date and a time for pick-up, all for free. The day came and the time came and no show. A few minutes after pick-up time he texted me and apologized and said he still was coming but running behind. I was really impressed, considering how forgetful I am at times and relieved to know that I had not mixed up the details. It was a while but eventually he arrived and apologized again. We visited a few minutes, and he said he never goes to the recycle place I mentioned because the last time he went there, they threw the money at him. I guess it wasn’t a very big job. I don’t know how the world became so mean, but you see it everywhere. I visited a little more with this nice gentleman and he shared that his daughter was graduating and had been accepted to college. He was having a big sale for her tuition. I had been gifted a lawn edger that was new and way too big for me to use. I told him to please take it and put in the sale as a donation from me, and that I was proud of her achievement to. Before he left, I put three of my famous chocolate chip cookies in a pretty bag and a included a cold bottle of water, shook his hand, thanked and wished him well and reminded him that Jesus loved him. Later that night I got a text from this nice fellow that said ( I want to thank you very much for making an ordinary day a special day).

I am blessed with awesome neighbors and even if I don’t call on them often, I know they would come if I did. Kindness is an option. It is a choice we make and sometimes it is so much easier to blow up, and I have done that myself.

The guy across the street mowed twice last summer when my son was out of town, so I made their family supper. They both work, it’s hot and young people get tired to. They always refuse money but he loved the idea of not having to wonder what to do for supper. There are dozens of simple ways to spread love and kindness in little ways that make a difference. Anyone can write a check, but supplying something useful in real time is usually appreciated more. I give the garbage guys treats as often as I can and they are so thankful. The UPS, and other blue collar service people, are folks we all deal with all the time. I like to think that maybe I am the only sermon some will ever see. I was sharing with a friend how good I have been cared for this last three years, and they responded that as much as we had done for others, we deserved it. That is an evil lie you should never believe…..kind of like Karma. If you are a Christ follower, there are no coincidenses, Jesus died on the cross for me…and you. I am not good and kind all the time and I deserve nothing. Kind actions and words are my thankyou note in His honor for all He has given me. Ephesians 2:10 I try to remember that I represent Christ and the best thing I have going for me and the biggest blessing that has carried me through this journey is the promises that are made in scripture and knowing that my sweet husband is not lost, he is with Jesus.

If you are reading this today and still in the early stages of grief or if you are farther down the path, you might be sure; God has a perfect plan and you were made for this time. You can lessen your pain by loving others and helping those in need. I pray that these pages I blog help you wherever you are in your journey….Find the joy and spread it around, you’ll be glad you did.

Susann”s cooking tip for the day:

I buy a small, seasoned pork tenderloin for myself, but this will work on any size. Bake tenderloin till internal temp. (140-145) and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice diagonally on a platter and squeeze Chick Filet Polynesian sauce over it. You will be shocked how good it is and others will think you are a chef. Enjoy the sweet moments even when you feel like you are on the diagonal.