Considering the Needs of Others

"Those who trust God to meet their needs are free to consider the needs of others." 

~Robert Thune, The Gospel Centered Community 

We've been trying to get some trees cut down in our back yard. Some are dead, some are leaning precariously toward the house. We don't have the equipment or the knowledge to do the work ourselves. Our next-door neighbor helped us with a tree and huge limb that had broken but not fallen to the ground.

My dad offered to bring his chainsaw and his muscles to get another tree down, but when he arrived, he wasn't sure he had the skills. A few minutes later, an old friend called him and asked what he was doing. When my dad shared where he was, the friend, who happens to cut trees as a side hustle, offered to come over and bring his equipment and wisdom. And he wouldn't take payment (but I did give him lunch!).

Together, the guys were able to get a couple of trees down and cut for firewood, and our backyard feels much safer now. Our friend's willingness to trust God's provision for himself freed him to meet our needs. This day was a sweet reminder to me of how I don't have to live with a scarcity mindset, perfect timing, as always!