I think more and more the pattern the Gospel sets in welfare matters is a law that if employed in the world would alleviate a significant amount of suffering and sadness. The goal to help each make their own plan to become self reliant, and then supporting them in their plan and helping with temporary support while they work their plan.
I guess this has come more into focus as we have had our experience over the last handful of years. As the business went further and further south, it became more and more difficult to support our family. We had dropped our income by 75% just to start, and then that became more and more squeezed. In the end we lost all we had worked decades to achieve and had to begin again. But this is all mitigated by the knowledge that I could work, I had skills, and could find more ways to support my family. And while our plans were shot down, we regrouped and have new plans. And through it all we have that eternal principle of work in front of us and the knowledge of a loving God active in our lives. We have seen more now than ever before His hand in our lives. I really have.
So with this in mind I woke up yesterday and had a hyper productive day. We started in the yard and raked up all the leaves over the entire yard. We then mowed the lawn, trimmed, edged, and blew off the walks. I cleaned off the lower patio and bridge and then cleaned out the clogged gutters around the whole house. I took the blower up on the roof and that helped make it easier by blowing out the gutters. While up there I trimmed back the tree over the roof so it will be better. I cleaned the garage and arranged so we can get a car back in it. We then split wood for quite a while and in the end split about 2 cords of wood. I winterized 4 of the engines so the gas will not gum up the engines. I then edged more on the patios as I discovered the ground cover had encroached over 8 inches. Mom cleaned out the Mountaineer, then we cleaned the bathrooms (I got the main one with the tub since mom likes me to do that), and then I swept all the floors, cracks, under things, and edges. Then back out for more wood splitting until the rain stopped us. I cut the rebar that was stuck out of the tree in front that has bothered me for years (safety) by grinding it off, then used it to repair the anchor on the rose of Sharon by the mailbox. It was a great day.
Ty was funny as he wanted someone to go to the dance with him. He tried texting a few people but they either were already with people or not going. Then he called Sam and when done exclaimed "I am glad you taught us verbal persuasive skills". He had convinced Sam to go who he found later had just finally convinced his brother he was NOT going and would not ride with him.
I had a major hard week at work. So many major things going on with not enough time to really go after it the way I am comfortable with. I had to really work carefully on the most important things because I kept leaving early before Gavin left.
Highlight of the week was being able to have our last days with Gavin and then taking him to the airport. He looks so good and happy. We heard such great comments from Michelle and Grandma Ward as they dropped him at the MTC. Gavin, I hope you will take in the remarkable spirit the MTC has and let it be an experience you will never forget. You will learn things you never have known.
I love you all eternally. I am grateful for the binding covenants that allow us to be together forever, through our faithfulness.
Dad
3 John 1:4
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