Just Like That

We arrived home rather late last night after a very long (but very happy!) day involving marriage, family, beautiful weather and lots and lots of driving. As we pulled in to the driveway, I was gearing up for unloading, unpacking, putting wee ones in wee beds...the usual mental checklist.

My husband was thinking about other things: "Look at that lovely green lawn waiting for me to mow it."

I resent that lovely green lawn. I love the beautiful weather and the general outdoor gorgeousness of Spring and Summer, but I resent the hours my husband must devote to the lawn in order to keep our property feigning looking presentable.

Just like that, I was sidetracked and feeling defeated. But I rallied, and we got everything/everyone in side and in bed. But in the back of my mind was that reminder, that lawn-care season had arrived, and I was going to have to relinquish precious hubby time to the grass and the lawnmower. He is so busy. Sometimes we shake our heads at how he is in demand.

Grumble, mutter, murmur, whine.

Fast-forward to mid-morning of today. Down the street comes our friend Nick. On a riding lawnmower. Onto our lawn. And for the next hour, Nick mows our lawn. No invitation, no advance notice. Just Nick being Nick.

My husband has been over at Nick's house more than once, helping with a car repair or a plumbing problem. It's how he rolls. And here is Nick, paying it forward when we needed it most. Just like that.

I am grateful for friends. I am grateful for payment-in-kind and for unexpected kindnesses. I am grateful for God acknowledging my whining and touching someone's heart to lighten my load. For every minute Nick spent cutting my lawn, he gave me back two minutes of my husband's time; time for family, time for me, time for himself. Just like that.

What are you blessed with today?