On Instagram, I follow a young man who goes around and cleans up people’s yards for free. He drives around looking for homes that are in desperate need of mowing. Some are abandoned houses, and some belong to people who are struggling and need help. This past week, he heard from an Uber driver about an older woman who was three months behind on rent and had not eaten in days because she did not have enough money for herself and her dog. She also needed dental work and other medical care. He spent two days with his dad cleaning up her yard, mowing, trimming, and hauling away items from her backyard. However, he did not stop with just cleaning. He also started a GoFundMe to help her pay her rent and cover her dental work. Within just one day, he raised more than $430,000. I was shocked to see how much he was able to raise in such a short time. It gave me hope and joy to see how people can come together to help someone in need.
These days, we hear so much about shootings, war, political conflict, and the brokenness of the world. In the midst of all that gloom and doom, it is uplifting to learn how a simple act of helping someone clean up their yard can help change a life. She is now able to move into a smaller apartment with her dog, get her dental and health issues taken care of, and know that she is not alone. It all began because an Uber driver learned about her situation and reached out to SB Mowing, and as they say, the rest is history. how a simple act of love can help transform a life.
To me, this is one of the best examples of what it means to love our neighbors. This is what we as Christians are called to do: help those who are in need and do whatever we can. It took one person to recognize the need, one person to mow and spread the word, and many others to join in and help. This summer, a few of us will have the opportunity to do something similar on our mission trip, but it does not have to be limited to those who are going. You can do this wherever you are. This summer, as you relax and enjoy your vacations, be mindful of those around you. If you see someone in need, let others know, reach out, lend a hand, and show the world.
Peace and grace,
Pastor Sandra