Porch Buddies (07/23/2025)

My porch is a special place, a haven for me. It’s where I go to think, to pray, to rest, to breathe, to meditate, to be. It’s full of plants right now which I love to watch as they grow stronger and plusher throughout the warmer months. And in the middle of this are two special images that remind me of the possibilities of love spent. Their names are Freddy and Oliver.

I’ve shared with you the story of Freddie, my porch frog, who sits on my table as a constant reminder of my daughter and her oldest son who created him from random rocks. He’s goofy looking, but his face makes me smile every time I look at him because he reminds me of his special creators and their love. Well, this past weekend, my grandson, that same daughter’s youngest son, brought me Oliver, an owl he created while on vacation from two pavers. The fact that my 13-year-old grandson would take time to create something for me and my husband while on vacation is in itself a gift.

These two precious figures remind me that even small acts of loving kindness matter and rouse me to consider what I might do for others with the gift of time from our LORD and a bit of effort. I believe that being thought of by another is a gift most people love to receive. I believe it says “you matter” and “you are loved.” That’s one of the things my Savior and teacher taught me through the gospel stories – see the other – let others know they matter, let them know they are loved. I think of the woman caught in adultery who is bent so low by her accusers. But Jesus doesn’t contribute to that. He speaks to her with loving kindness. He gives her the gift of being seen, of mattering more than her sins, of being loved.

We have the opportunity every day of our lives to do the same for one another, to see one another, to spend time and effort on acts of loving kindness. It isn’t about cost – it’s all about taking the gift given to use and sharing it with others – our time, the love of the LORD, joy.

It can be a card with a short note to let another know she is being thought of when you know she is struggling with grief, an illness, loneliness. It can be a phone call to check in with another who is carrying a heavy burden at this time. It can be a visit to another who is struggling with isolation in the midst of grief. It can be speaking to another as we open the door for them. It can be recognizing the burdens and labors of our wait person at the local café and leaving not only a tip but a short note that says, “You did a wonderful job. Thank you.” Like I said, it doesn’t have to involve a large sum of money for the effect to be huge.

And it doesn't have to be away from home. It can be at home. In fact, isn't that where we should all start? Do those who share our home, our table, our lives know how much they are loved? Is that something we address daily?

Our loving LORD sees all of us and loves all of us. May our journeys be marked daily with moments in service to our LORD for His glory by using the gifts given to us without cost on bringing His love to our sisters and brothers.

I know that Oliver and Freddy would agree!

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.