It's no secret that the past few years have been hard for Benny. Putting in 14-hour days just trying to keep up at work; slowly realizing Parkinson's was making it impossible to do his job; and finally having no choice but to take early retirement - all that is quite dispiriting.
Hardest of all, perhaps, has been my life-long DIY-er watching his DIY-ing skills gradually slipping away. Benny has always been a master: refinishing, refurbishing, remodeling; you name it, and he did it. And did it perfectly. He still tackles many home improvement projects, but at a much slower, unsteadier pace.
A dozen years ago we added the pièce de résistance to our backyard garden: a lovely little pond complete with waterfall. It was a labor of love and it was beautiful.
** [Historical side-note: In 12 years, and with 6 grandchildren running around, only two people have ever fallen in said pond. Their names? Katie and Eisley . . . go figure.]
Fast-forward 10 years: our pond had become more trouble than we could handle. The past 2 years we've had broken pumps, out-of-control silt and algae, filters that refused to filter. It was a 300-gallon nightmare. Last month Benny decided the pond had to go. A huge job, but we knew we could enlist the help of our two super-strong boys.
Before we could even ask for their help, the cavalry arrived.
We have been a part of Westwind Church since last year. Like many churches, Westwind has a number of smaller groups (called "Connection Groups") you can join in order to connect on a more intimate level. These groups meet weekly in homes, fleshing out the message from the previous Sunday, getting to know one another better, praying for each other. When our little group got wind of this pond-filling project looming large before us, they did not hesitate. They signed on, signed up, and set a date.
Last Saturday, 20 people showed up at our house at 8am. Twenty people. They gave up one of the first perfect Saturdays of the spring to help us. And truth be told, Benny and I haven't exactly been stellar in attending our connection group the past 6 months. Some of those who came we hardly knew. But they came and they worked. They moved sand and pavers, they raked and tilled and mulched and swept. They replaced a rotten pillar. They even brought lunch.
It was a wonderful day, laboring together, and not only did we get a fresh start on our home, but 20 people are now tied more closely with an unbreakable bond.
And lest you say, "Well, of course they would do that for one of their own", let me be clear that this group, and Westwind as a whole, very actively serves many in the metro who are not a part of the church. They have helped the poor, the hungry, the homeless. They have tried to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
They can love like this because they are fully loved by God. They have chosen to align themselves with God's will, giving themselves over to the leadership of Jesus Christ in their lives. Jesus said, "I did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give My life as a ransom for many."
Christians have been known to get a bad rap, sometimes deservedly so. But when you find people who are being obedient to God and led by the Spirit of God, you see the Church as it was meant to be.
Need a church home? Want to be surrounded by people who will love you unconditionally? If you're anywhere near the Des Moines metro area, I suggest you visit Westwind. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
And our deepest, heart-felt thanks to our wonderful connection group. It is a pleasure doing life with you guys!!
