Generosity of spirit

Good Evening,

Well, now the tree is gone. Actually it is surprisingly much better! Much more light all the way around!

Went out and got my hair done. Definitely a tidbitz 'before and after!' A total uplift to my spirits! Wanted to share about a 'random act of kindness' about my friend who did my hair and who gave us a turkey for Christmas (which we will enjoy this Easter). Was going to cook up this wonderful Christmas turkey, however, my daughter invited us for Christmas Dinner. She ended up graciously giving us the remainder of their large turkey as well as all the delicious leftovers. Inasmuch as they were hosting a party the next day for our son-in-law's birthday, they were going to barbecue a fresh turkey in their new fantastic cooker / roaster.

It was my same friend who transformed 'a bittidz bad hair day into a good hair day' - actually MUCH MORE than a bad or a good hair day! They gave us a large bottle of their homemade red wine (Very good! Skal!) and a small frozen Prime rib as well as a little pork roast. 'Generosity of spirit' galore! As my friend said, 'You would do the same for us, if we were in the same situation.' I said, 'Absolutely!' and her reply, was 'I know.'

Apparently they had their tidbit tough times a few years ago; so having gone through their 'hoops', they have empathy and understanding. Methinks, those who have literally experienced tough times, they are the ones who are more inclined to be of good cheer and help. Those who have not had too many 'ups and downs', appear to prefer to 'scoff', or to be 'smuglike,' or to 'disappear' altogether. Or at least, sadly, that has been our bittid humble experience these past number of months. Alan and I do not have hardened hearts; however, the truth of it is, that we have been treated as if we were / are 'lepers.' As if we are 'failures' etc. The same friends who helped us today can relate totally! Hurrah for them; because they made our day and weekend. Also, they gave us a tid of 'spending money.' That helped cover a bit of essential groceries.

We have a wonderful patio table (the wrought iron one with eight chairs via my parents) and we would be more than happy to GIVE this patio set to this genuine couple.

Recently, I was dismayed and surprised by a good friend's caustic comments; almost as if she was going out of her way to 'rub more salt into our wounds.' I do not totally understand why; however, perhaps to 'bargain' / negotiate to pay as low a price as possible for the items that we are selling / parting with. ie. 'When you move, you won't have room for those pieces etc.' She is not wrong about the space issue; however, just something does not add up. Perhaps it is the approach. It is not as if the prices are unreasonable; indeed, they are very fair and affordable. Particularly to a friend and a good friend at that. Yet, if someone does not have the means / resources etc, totally a different story.

However, knocking down anyone; particularly, when they are already knocked down is not right. Upon re reading my post, I 'softened' some of my original comments; as they may have been a bittid harsh. As the tidbit expression goes: 'You can catch more flies with honey, than you can with vinegar." Each day is always a new day; and life is a constant learning curve. ie. In how well and genuinely we treat others. Also about having compassion, a forgiving heart, empathy, generosity of spirit, being grateful and thankful for our Blessings etc. 'Praise Him In ALL Things.'

Also as of tid late, we have been introduced to a number of 'new' people. Quite a few of them are 'eclectic' and well, they have a different way of looking at things. We appreciate their refreshing and positive outlooks. We are pondering that perhaps it is time 'to separate the wheat from the chaff' and welcome appreciatively a group of new friends.

Tidbit - 'A friend in need, is a friend indeed.'

Bittid - 'Do not judge a book by its covers.' My Dad used to say those wise words to me often; he was / is right.

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. However, I believe there is no bit of glory whatsoever, gained by those who purposefully knock down others, to suit their own agenda and / or to puff themselves up. Rather best to genuinely build up others; particularly uplift / encourage those who are down. I love the message from Isaiah 40:29. 'He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.'

It is a beautiful sunny evening. Feels like a Friday. However, inasmuch as tomorrow is 'Good Friday,' it feels like a 'holiday' evening. Again, it ia amazing how much more light there is without the tree. Here are a couple of photos of the 'before and after'. Quite the difference, methinks!

Peace and God Bless.