How Sweet the Sound

There is a tradition along the Appalachian Trail between weary hikers and local do-gooders. A tradition of random kindness by the do-gooders that has earned them the name Trail Angels... thoughtful individuals who greet hikers at trail outlets...hikers who are hungry, dirty, tired, and a bit wretched looking perhaps. And as these hikers descend, they are unexpectedly greeted with grace. Grace in the form of hot meals, sweet treats, toiletries, and cold drinks. Just a small act of senseless beauty to revive the hikers before they acsend back into the mountains.

I've encountered a few angels of my own over the past two months. I too have been hungry, dirty, tired, and wretched looking. I think most mothers of a seven week old feel this way. And I think most need a little grace. My grace has come in the form of meals, groceries, showers, cleaning, dishwashing, child care, and laundry. It started with my mother who, for eight days, cleaned my house and cooked meals for the present and meals for the future. It was my father who took Isis to school in the mornings and entertained her in the barn and fields in the afternoon. It was my mother-in-law who cooked for ten days and folded our laundry. It continued with friends who appeared to read Isis stories so I could shower. It was church friends who supplied us with meals for six weeks. It was friends who took Isis to story time, restaurants, and book fairs. It was friends who washed my dishes while I sat and had a meal with my husband. It was friends who folded my laundry and played with Isis in her room. These have been my trail angels during a time when I needed a little grace.

Before Eliza was born I had many people who said, Just let me know if you need anything, I'd love to help. I warned them to be careful what they offered because I will never turn away help.
And I haven't. Why? Because I've learned to accept grace.

It seems to me that in the midst of both tragedy and celebration, we want to be a part of it. We want to help. It makes us feel good to know we have helped. Not because we need to pat ourselves on the back, but because we are human. But at the same time, I believe it is much easier to extend grace, than to receive it. I think this is very sad. Why is it so difficult for us to accept the help someone is offering? Why is it so easy to bring a meal to someone but so difficult to let someone do you a favor? Do you think you don't need a little grace in your life? Well you do. We all do. I think grace is a two way street but too many people are walking in only one direction.

Thanksgiving was the last real dinner I cooked. That was almost two months ago. That means in the last sixty days, I have thrown together about three small meals. The rest have been my trail angels. And by accepting their gifts of food, time, and energy, it has allowed me play with my three year old. It has allowed me to catch a quick nap. It has allowed our family to transition to a fourth member. It has helped me to be clean, rested, and nourished. I know that I could not have done this by myself. I know I needed grace and I took it and I am better off for it.

You would be too. So next time someone offers you something, surprise them. Say yes. Let them help you. Don't even hesitate or think about it. It's rewarding to extend grace, but it's a blessing to receive it. It's a win-win.