Hello there! This post is part of a 31-Day writing adventure I’m now over halfway through! I’d love for you to meet up ’round here and read along. You can find the introduction to the series, and a “Table of Contents” as each day goes live, right here. Thanks so much for dropping in!

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This week I had the privilege of serving friends in need. God put opportunities in my lap to choose to give from my wallet, give from my stuff, and give from my time. This week I’ve had the privilege of being on the receiving end as well. Amazing homemade treats are sitting in my fridge. A very thoughtful belated birthday gift is in my closet. New pajama pants (for me) and an adorable Christmas outfit for the Belle were personally delivered (thanks, Mom!)

Yesterday, it just so happened that a friend of mine called because she was on the way to a special pharmacy and wanted to know if I needed anything. I was at home with a kid with a nasty cough and absolutely did need something. With the Hubs away at a wedding, it had been a long and slightly lonely day (but writing these thoughts yesterday really inspired me to think about what voices I was listening to — and my attitude definitely improved as a result!) so hearing from her was extra-special.

When my friend showed up in the evening to drop things off with a quick hello, I just felt so fortunate to have such good friends. And as I think about it this morning, she would’ve gone at least a half hour out of her way to drop by my house before going home last night. My heart was warm as I pondered the gift that friendship is.

It felt like at the end of a week where I wanted to give more and more, God reminded me that I’ll never out-give Him.

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This morning, I just want to ask a couple of questions and give you a few simple thoughts.

First, are you investing in relationships with the people around you? Are you experiencing the gift of giving, demonstrating a trust that God will provide for your every need and you do not need to become a hoarder? (Remember, hoarding loads of cash when you know others are in need is still hoarding.)

This week, the literature story that we read each day in homeschool was a wonderful book called The Rag Coat. At the beginning of the story, a young girl’s father tells her People only need people, don’t you forget that. And the young girl’s experiences in the months that follow demonstrate the wisdom and truth in her father’s statement.

While I might like to add that people also need Jesus, it is important to recognize that in God’s glorious goodness, oftentimes the gifts you are asking Him for come from the hand of your next-door neighbor or a family member or even a complete stranger.

We are wise to give thanks to them and to Him for whatever we receive. And, we are wise to listen for His voice and follow His leading when it’s time for us to give. It might just be a phone call or some of your time that He’ll ask you to give. Maybe a word of encouragement or an act of kindness that will speak volumes.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. {Hebrews 3:13}

God clearly ordained Christianity to be a Team Sport. How would we have heard the Gospel without someone telling us? And throughout our lives, we will stand together with the different people God puts on our path to do His will and to walk out the call of following Jesus.

Give when it hurts, friends. Love without concern for the opinions of the people around you. Welcome new people into your life even when it’s inconvenient. People absolutely need people. In His glorious goodness, God knew we’d need each other. And we do.

Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. {Eccl. 4:9-12}

xCC