B - Benevolence

 

Benevolence is more than just acts of kindness, it’s living out one’s faith.  Knowing what one should do and actually doing it are two different things. Christians are commanded to be kind and loving, sadly this isn’t always the case as we are all only human and allow the busyness of life to get in the way. It’s a beautiful thing to see people put their own life aside to be there for someone else, even if it’s just a few minutes out of our day.
 
Being on the receiving end of such kindness is heartwarming and honestly humbling. Opening our front door to find baskets of love – food, snacks, books, journals, homemade blankets! We have two friends who made us blankets, one for each of us, and one crocheted for Babe to take to chemo (because it’s very cold in that room). The other two blankets are fleece on one side with minky on the other side – so cozy. We have nicknamed these blankets, “super blankets.”  It was a very cold winter so we have enjoyed these super blankets and have wrapped ourselves in the love of knowing someone cared.

I have a friend who is so good about asking, “How can I help?” This has been such a good lesson for me, just ask a simple, heart felt question to get some direction and be and do what is needed. I call this, “Jesus with skin.” Another friend sent us a box of things she and her husband knew we would need on this journey of fighting cancer (she and her husband had cancer at the same time – during 2020 when they couldn’t be together through it! Can you imagine?!).  Their phone calls, encouragement, and availability to us has been the thing that has confirmed that we are more than friends – we are family. They have loved us through this and walked with us every step of the way – from afar mind you – we don’t live in the same state.

Our  close friends from home and our siblings have called regularly to check on us. It seems like a small gesture but it’s so much more –it’s an act of love. Knowing we have so many people in our corner gives us strength to finish strong.  Babe is having a hard time at the end here, so the encouragement we receive helps me to be a good cheerleader for him.
 
Our friends here at home, a new home to us (we have only been here for 3 years so our family is across the country) have been so amazing. Being so far away from our roots has been very difficult for sure but God brought the most beautiful people from our church family into our lives. It’s been a really tough road but through benevolent souls we have been been blessed beyond measure and we are forever grateful for the love that has been poured upon us – it’s what has kept Babe strong and hopeful. For all who have reached out with a call, a text, a note, dropping by – may the Lord richly bless you.

The lesson: Benevolence matters. Be generous with your time for others.

Pouring hope,
Nen ♥

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