A great friend in a time of need...

"Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others."  Philippians 2:4  AMPC

 

   Many years ago on Thanksgiving Day, I was in a  fix.  I had a large turkey to roast, and to my dismay, that morning, my oven quit working. The turkey was thawed, and  I had just  finished stuffing it when I discovered the oven wasn't getting hot. I didn't know what to do. I only had a few hours to go before my husband would be home from working of the farm. He would be thinking about that turkey dinner all day, I would have hated to disappoint him. 

  We weren't having any company, but we were a family of 5 and everyone was expecting a nice turkey dinner.  I had baked the pumpkin and apple pies the night before. And the potatoes and green beans could cook on top of the stove.

 I was pretty desperate so I  called a close neighbor, a dear friend, who was putting together her own family's dinner. I believe she was expecting her in laws to join her and her family that day.

   I told her of my dilemma, and  boldly asked her if  there was anyway she would allow me to use her oven to roast my turkey.   She didn't even hesitate a second. " Sure, you can,come on over, and we will get it in the oven right away!"  In my mind, she was a lifesaver.

  I packed my 3 children and the turkey in the car. In a few short minutes we were at her house.

She and her two little girls were busy baking too; but soon I discovered she had a double oven!

  The kids and I stayed for awhile, Vicky and I visited. I was so thankful for her generosity and her friendship. She was a gracious one, always with a smile, and calm about  everything. She and her husband were dairy farmers with 4 of their own children. She was an amazing young mother, and I so enjoyed talking with her. After a bit, the kids and I went home.  Tom Turkey was  still in her oven, in the process of turning into a delicious dinner! 

  I drove back over that a few hours later and retrieved the most important part of the meal.

That evening our family had a wonderful meal, with all the trimmings, our tummies were full,and satisfied. 

 I have thought  about that particular Thanksgiving many times at this time of year.  Life has changed greatly for me. I am blest beyond measure in so many ways.

  My children are all grown and have their own families.  But I will never forget that particular Thanksgiving day when I" borrowed" her oven; the day my dilemma was eliminated by her generous, giving, friendship.