Almost Another Year

Have been planning for quite some time to get The Husband some helium filled balloons for his birthday - I envisioned one of those huge bunches floating up to our ceiling.  We rarely buy balloons.  I've had such a time coming up with something to get for him this year that I thought that would at least be different.

So we stopped on our way home from our walk, I rushed in with bank card in hand only to be met with the sign:  we are out of helium.  No helium at all for balloons.  Apparently the shortage is ongoing and widespread.  So I came out with this little display.  Not quite what I thought I'd have to give him to celebrate another year of life, but he acted delighted anyway.  It is kind of cute, just not as "big" as I'd wanted.

The window cleaners were supposed to come today.  First thing this morning received a call - they won't be able to come today at all.  This is the second time we've had to re-schedule.  Tomorrow should be the day, but I'm not holding my breath.  Hopefully Sunday's predicted rain and the super hot-temps also predicted for tomorrow won't be hiccups in the plan. 

I meant to share this article the other day and forgot.  Well worth reading.   Great Grad Speech

Last night we went to dinner with some friends.  We are so grateful for them.  I never feel judged or inferior with them.  As is generally the case when we go out with them, we end up somewhere for ice cream.  Last night was Chick-Fil-A.  Seated at a nearby table was another couple, I'd guess about ten years older than us (i.e. early 80's).  They shared a bit of conversation across the aisle, they were sweet.  When it came time for them to leave, he couldn't get up.  It was physically impossible for him.  He later told us he's had two knee replacements, two hip replacements, and lots of painful arthritis.  (I recognized that hesitation and apprehension when he wanted to stand and his knees wouldn't cooperate.  I feel the same though on a milder scale.)  I nudged The Husband (who was already thinking that he wanted to go help but didn't want to embarrass the man) to go help, so he and our friend went over and each took a side and managed to get the man upright.  

I tried to take a mental snapshot.  Two old friends with their helping arms and hands surrounding an older barely-met-friend, treating him with care and tenderness.  One of those rare times I truly felt - in a nearly tangible way - my heart touched with the Spirit and made a note to remember how readily and carefully my husband and friend reached out to help a brother.  I felt like I was seeing that "law of love" (remember, I'm reading Steve Young's new book) in action. 

To top it off, both my husband and our friend kept an eye out for the couple as they headed to their car, making sure the man was able to get in his car ok. Again - watchful, mindful and ready to help.  They're a couple of the good guys for sure.

Frankly, that was my favorite part of the day.  Watching love in action.  Feeling so grateful for kind hearts and willing souls.