grace

I heard a story today.

A guy was sick in bed. Had surgery and was not doing well. Before he went i for the procedure, he tore out the cabinets in his kitchen, in preparation to putting new ones in.

But he didn't get it done very fast, what with being sick.

So a couple of carpenter friends dropped by one day to say they were going to install the kitchen cabinets for him. They were competent and he did not argue. The cabinets (which were stacked in the back room) went in, counter tops went on, underlay went on the floor and ceramic tile.

The guy was well enough (and he had been a plumber earlier in his colorful life) to do the plumbing and electrical.

In time the one of the carpenters needed a favor and it was offered and accepted.

Today the story was recalled to remind us all that we depend on each other, and that what might be perceived as fabulous generosity, may be that and it might be repaying generosity.

Either way, and on both sides of the arrangement, christian grace is involved. Trace to give and the grace to accept.

It takes both kinds.