Yesterday Mr. Campbell came to my home. I've featured this man before. He spruces up my yard each spring and returns every now and again for tune-ups.





Mr. Campbell



My grandchildren are visiting in a couple of weeks and I thought it would be more fun for them if the paths in my sanctuary were cleared of leaves - also revealing any fallen limbs that might result in a Cirque du Soleil flip gone bad.

It was a small job - didn't take too long, maybe an hour, but it pleased me to once again see the pea pebble paths from my kitchen window.








*****



I like Mr. Campbell a lot. There's a special place in my heart for him.

He would readily admit that he's a simple man. He grew up on this mountain. Opportunities and dreams were snatched from him at a young age when he was pulled from school to work to help support his family. I don't think he's had an easy life.

Yet, I've never ever met a kinder person. A person who is so utterly content with life - as tiny as it may be.

Mr. Campbell is also a Preacher. He preaches at a church on the Cumberland Plateau.

The other morning his cheerful self stood in my office. I rose to greet him and we talked about what needed to be done. He stood there for a bit with his hat in his hand. Before he left he said, "Miss Reenie, I have a question for you and I don't mean to offend."

I replied, "Sure, what is it, Mr. Campbell?"

"I'd like to pray with you."

Gulp.

And pray he did... he took my hand and prayed the most beautiful heartfelt prayer ever ever. The passion of his kind heart - I still feel the power of his words.

I wept as he prayed and thanked him. Then he put his hat on and went to work in my sanctuary.


*****


After Mr. Campbell came back indoors, I asked how much I owed him. He said, "Nothing. You've been so good to me Miss Reenie, I want to do this for you."

I protested. He protested. My housekeeper, Joan, chimed in, "Mr. Campbell, she won't be having it."

Crumb-bum! Dagnabbit! This is making me look good while it's Mr. Campbell I'm trying to praise. *sigh*

I did win the battle. Agreed I wouldn't pay him, but I had a gift for his wife. That made Mr. Campbell smile and drawl a long drawn out, "Okay."

As he left, I reminded Mr. Campbell of the gift he'd already given me - his prayer.



*****



That evening I fretted a bit. Had I done the right thing.

Sometimes it's important to let others give. There's so much pleasure in giving and I denied Mr. Campbell the pleasure of the gift he tried to give me.

I fretted.

The thing is that I know how tiny his life is. I know this is a slow time of year for him. I know how tight finances must be. But should I have allowed him to give me the gift of service he tried to give me?

After while, I let go of the fretting. I think it actually ended up being a win-win for both of us. I was glad I'd reminded him of the gift of prayer he'd given me - so valuable to me.



*****



Dang. As usual when I write about stuff like this, I don't know how to end it.

Be kind. Be mindful of others' needs. Remember that gifts come in all sizes and shapes. But always be kind. Please.

Thanks for stopping by.