One of the greatest gifts of living and working at Prairie Winds Farm is Helen. Helen is Charlotte's 77 year old mother who lives right next door to the farm and who is, in a word, awesome. Her heart is as open as her door as she lets a room in her house for interns. Helen has played host to any intern needing accommodations and currently, this describes me. She gives free reign of the house without asking much in return aside from opening tricky jars, or helping her put on a dust ruffle every now and then. One day I took her to the grocery store and we returned not only with a few groceries for her, but also with a healthy supply of juice for me plus a chocolate bar (O happy indulgence!). The next time she went to the store (I didn't go with her), she brought a chocolate bar back for me. Helen's thoughtfulness and generosity make my heart joyful. It has only been recently, however, that I have discovered in Helen a good friend and a kindred spirit. We spent much of this past Saturday singing old songs together; Helen would pick up where I left off or couldn't remember more lyrics and vice versa . The sweet melodies of "Lemon Tree," "Would You Like to Swing on a Star," "Blue Skies" and the like carried us happily through potentially mundane tasks and bonded us together in the mutual enjoyment of each other's company. I said to Helen that I feel like we are BFFs and she replied, "Well we are."
I have to admit that living with someone's elderly parent does not sound too exciting, but I can only rejoice and thank the good Lord for putting such a delightful person in my life. It is a joy for me to be able to do things for Helen and to help her out and I am glad for those opportunities. God has also taught me through this relationship to enjoy people. For instance, running errands for/with someone might be a hassle or bothersome to do, but if I allow God's grace to enter, the entire "chore" becomes an opportunity inspired by grace to spend time with a truly wonderful person. We need only eyes to see it, to see God's world instead of eyes that only focus inward to see "my world." Lord, help us all to recognize the gifts you give us.
