We arrived first at the New Year gathering of old friends. It was a small group. The years they had known each other brought a depth to the conversation and memories that only comes with time. Life had not been fair, at least in the way the world often measures fairness. As we talked of schools, child care, and government subsidies based on needs, it was interesting to listen and reflect.
As I contrasted my path with others around the table, one had made very different choices. Driven by a desire to focus on his children and live a stress-free life, he had passed or left several roles that paid well. In the end, he settled for being his own boss and getting by. In exchange, he dropped his kids off at school and day care and always found time to pick them up. He willingly chose to ride a bicycle to work. By any measure, he did not earn much but his life was rich.
I listened with respect. There was a serenity about him, confidence in his choices, and quiet confidence. He did not have a need to convince anyone of his view, but was willing to share freely.
As we shared stories of moving, he talked of lending his work truck with himself as a driver to a friend and arranging helpers that needed extra work. In the end, he donated petrol as well as wear and tear, taking nothing away except the happiness that comes with giving freely and unconditionally.
As the stories continued, I thought of the gifts he had brought the hosts. His two bottles of wine, though not expensive to most, represented a significant expense. From the conversation, I was left with the impression that in his priorities it was not something he found important.
By every measure of the heart, I spent an evening with an amazing man, husband, and father. In his actions, he “lavish gifts on the poor – a generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life!” (Psalm 112.09)
