April 20th, 2020

Good Day to all,
With the present weather, comes working outside. Working outside means catching up on projects that were on last summer's list that for one reason or another are still on a list of unfinished business. This weekend I was able to begin to knock one of those projects down. It is a weekend long project due to the requirement of allowing cement to dry in posts that were placed in the ground. The design was simple, the steps were straight forward, but the implementation of the steps hit a snag when I needed to cut some notches in the 4x4 posts.  I thought I had all the tools I needed to finish the job but when I did a dry run on a extra piece of post (to make sure I would not mess up the post in the ground), the reality did not match the plan in my head.  

I pondered my options, working at not being flustered; when the thought came to me "call (you know who you were), he might have a solution."  I told my wife, "I am calling______." She reminded me, "if he doesn't have an answer, call_____, he does a lot of wood work, I am sure he would have an answer."  The story has a happy ending because the solution was easy, it just had not occurred to me since I am still barely above a novice when it comes to working with wood. I was grateful that I had someone to reach out to who not only eased my frustration, but had added, "If that doesn't work, I have a tool that will do the job and I will bring it over, just give me a call." 

This morning I woke up with the thought, "Thank you Lord for such friends". The thought was amplified by the recollection that when I posted a request for advice on another matter, I had lots of folks reaching out with helpful advice. The response of friends when we are in need is like a warm blanket that allows you to curl up with a smile on your lips.

As I thought of such friends, my mind went to John 15:13 [Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.]  As blessed as I am with friends that advise me, comfort me, and reach out to me,  when I am in need;no greater friend do I have (or you have) than He who willing to lay HIs life down for me (and you).

As we smile at the thought of our treasured friends, let us not forget the gift given by our greatest friend, who also happens to be our Lord. Just in case you are still unclear whom I am referring to, His name is Jesus.
Have a blessed Monday
Vic