My husband and I have been givers since long before we had money to give.  For years, we have had it pressed on us to help families out, especially right before the kids go back to school.  Raising kids is expensive, period.  Add school clothes, shoes and basic school supplies and it’s a recipe for throwing the best budget out the window.

Fast forward, it was put on our hearts to give clothes and new shoes to a certain family this year.  My daughter actually brought the depth of the need to us and we talked and prayed about it.  I reached out to the mom and she was very receptive to the clothes we had which may work well for her three teens and herself.  Then, I reached out to one of the kids who likes everything on my Facebook page.

In short,  I told her the mom knew we were gathering some clothes but had no clue about our intention to bless them with brand new shoes.    In fact, we wanted the brand new shoes to be something they each picked for themselves and we wanted them to pick a pair for their mom, as well.   Worst case scenario, she could always exchange them at Kohl’s.   Best case, they can use some of the clothes and could find some joy in knowing Jesus was hooking them up with new shoes.    We didn’t want it to be weird.

Well, I had been forward that we wanted them to have what they wanted and trusted them to not break the bank.  One of the kids asked for a 90 dollar pair of boots that we simply could not afford.  We had to tell them no to those boots.  Rather than let it sour our giving hearts, we found the blessing in being honest and knowing we were truly doing what we could do for them.

We pushed very hard to get things together and shop for their requested shoes on Monday.  I had to be gone Tuesday,  as one of my very best friends was delivering her baby that day.  Due to circumstances far beyond my control, I stayed the night and didn’t return home until Wednesday.  The kid had already reached back out and asked WHEN we would get them their stuff.  Again, I didn’t want it to sour the spirit for us.  I told her that we could only find two of the four pairs, ordered the other two online and we even paid for expedited shipping. But, we wanted to wait til Thursday night or Friday to deliver them all together.   Then, perhaps unbeknownst to her child, the mother reaches out and wants to come get the clothes at our home this morning.  The shoes won’t arrive, at best, until later this afternoon.   Again, feeling pushed when we just want to pour blessings out and pay them forward is a tough spot for me, physically and spiritually.

Now, the family needs a replacement vehicle, my sister asked for two grand out of the blue and there are many things tugging at our heartstrings and wallets.  Through all of it, my husband and I talk and pray.  Through all of it, we know we are doing all we can with all He has provided for us.  I believe he keeps blessing us and trusting us to do the right thing, as we have been good stewards with each and every dime.

We feel called to help families put their best foot forward in fall and to step into school with whatever shoes or supplies they need.  We seek to answer that call in a way which gives Him all the glory for all He is doing in our lives.

Father God, we are listening.  We continue to seek your guidance and direction in everything we do.  Thank you for loving us and blessing us.  We love you and want nothing more than to share your love and your grace with each person we met in every step of our lives.