The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.—Proverbs 22:9 (NIV)

“Will Lonny and the boys be home tomorrow?” our longtime church friend Jim asked over the phone. “Your fireplace is finished. If they’ll lift, I’ll deliver.” 

There was joy in Jim’s voice, and my heart beat fast. A few years earlier, when my husband, Lonny, and I purchased our new house, I’d asked Jim if he’d build a mantelpiece. The one in our new home was minimalistic and modern. I’m an old soul. 

Jim said he’d be happy to help. He’d recently left the home he’d raised his boys in too. So Lonny and I designed an Arts and Crafts mantel with an upper panel and layered oak sides. 

Then Jim had a knee replacement. Shoulder surgery. And surgery on his back. When it was finally time for the fireplace, I worried. All that sanding, staining, and standing at the saw. “We’ll wait,” I said. “The fireplace will be nice. But we value you.” 

Jim persisted. When he drove his truck over, we waited at the curb. Then we carried pieces to the living room and lifted as Jim anchored wood to the wall. It was stunning. Where things had been blank and barren, golden oak gleamed. 

But I’ve had back surgeries too, and I noticed Jim’s gait when he headed for our door. “We could’ve waited,” I said. “I wanted to help.” 

Jim’s smile spoke that this giving had gifted him too. When the fire in the fireplace burns brightly, I’m reminded of love.