A Chilly Evening

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

It was a colder than usual winter night. We’d invited several couples over to play cards and share dinner. As the evening wore on, I noticed I was feeling a little cool. I pulled my sweater around me.

“I think something’s wrong with the furnace,” Kyle whispered. “It hasn’t kicked on in a while, and the temperature is dropping.” I looked at him and immediately felt stressed. Not only was it cold, but we were in the middle of entertaining.

Kyle got up, mentioning to the group that he was going to check the furnace as it didn’t seem to be working. Our brother-in-law Rob followed him to try to help. They stayed downstairs working for the next hour or so while the rest of us continued playing cards upstairs. The temperature in our house continued to drop, but no one complained.

When Kyle and Rob finally returned from the basement, unsuccessful in fixing the problem, our friends quickly stepped in with offers to help. Each of them offered portable heaters to keep our house warm enough until the repairman could come the following day. As everyone gathered their things to leave, they again thanked us for a lovely evening. I was humbled by how flexible everyone had been in not letting the cooler temperatures ruin the night.

The next day, after the repairman had come and gone and the heat was again flowing freely from our vents, Rob made the rounds to return the assortment of heaters, for which we had been very grateful. I texted our friends, thanking them again for the enjoyable night and the heaters that got us through.

Friendships are so important. Whether they show up in big or small ways, our friends help to carry us through all the trials that life may bring our way. Scripture reminds us just how essential being in relationship with others is. It’s friends who can help us succeed, and if one of us falls, the other is there to pick us up. What a gift that is.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank a friend who recently supported you when you needed help.