Skip to main content

Bartering Goods and Services

pic credit: wp-barter.com
Ever done work for someone who pays you with pumpkin pies and homemade whipped cream?  I tell you, it's tough to not accept these types of payments with a smile and a grateful nod of understanding.

We've been there.  How many times, we were unable to properly re-imburse someone for their kindness, their work, their labor of love.  How often in our early years, that I said a 'thank you' with a batch of cookies, brownies or a homemade lasagna.

HH did some work for an acquaintance, and having the distinct feeling that the family was struggling, he refused to charge for the work done.  Though, having the impeccable manners that they had, they showed up at our door, with a fresh from the oven pumpkin pie and homemade whipped cream to top it off.

Indeed, they could not have paid what HH would have charged.  His gifts are truly God-given talents, and his time and energy away from the family, frankly, well, is expensive.  And surely, he doesn't charge as much as the professionals do....not by half.

HH is an inspiration to me.  He does work, but he keeps a sense of who he is working with and for in the forefront of his mind.  And I love that. 

We might not be rising above the debt as fast as we could, but when we get there, and yes, we will get there.....I know we'll be able to look back at all those people who were helped by us, and while yes, they might have slowed our financial progress, they helped to advance us in another way.....

A supernatural way.  We are learning more about Love.  What is it to Love others, when even we are owed something, but we do not demand it.  Love isn't about what is fair.  Love is giving when it doesn't make sense to do so.  Love is giving when you don't even know them.  Love is giving when you know it can't be repayed.  Love is sacrificing one's own desires, for the good of another.

Love is tough. 

But I resolve the matter, with a saying that says it all, whether good or bad, "It'll all come 'round in the end."

Comments

Popular Posts

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Nihon - Thank You Japan

First, I apologize.  It's almost been a week since my last post, and life certainly has a way to take me over.  Arigato Gozaimasu - Thank You We have many commitments, many places where we have promised our time and energy, and when sickness sets in for me or anyone in our home, life pretty much stops....for little while anyway. Thankfully, the illnesses are down to minor colds, and as of yesterday, I am off the meds to treat a sinus infection.  But that's not all.  It's re-enrollment time at school, and every March we face the same uncertain future in debate...Can we swing yet another year's worth of financial commitment to our Catholic school, for four children. It's a stressful time, it's uncertain, and I have to say, that security is something I thrive on.  Any insecurity, and I tell you, life just isn't right.  With the children unaware of our finessing the budget, we work to keep that calm and peace that assures the children all will be well. 

Words Can Hurt

When we first started having children, like most people, we realized quickly how they often work as a mirror to our own actions. Letting a swear word slip here or there was not uncommon in our home, yet, when our first child was about 18 months or so, and hearing my swear word echo in the house for several days from her little lips, well, it was enough to curb my speech, dramatically. And now, swear words are never spoken in front of the children, and we have adopted a few more words that are unacceptable in the house, even though common place in the world. Just another example at how, as parents, we truly are the domestic church. The world may be on the path of negativity, but the home is where we make the difference. My four year old the other day, said, "I hate tomatoes!" Not the worst thing to hear from her mouth, granted, however, the word 'hate' bothers me a lot. 'Hate' is a very strong word, opposite of 'Love'. Think of how strong that word, 

Little Guys and Big Things

Sometimes, Veggie Tales stick with you. Even when an 8 year old seems too old for Veggie Tale stories, and reluctantly watches a few, the messages do stick.  Over the weekend, my Knight was to serve Mass.  For the past few Sundays he has been serving, and we keep reminding him of the various ways to show reverence while doing his duties.....a bow to the tabernacle, folding of the hands and so forth. Sunday, I happened to be watching Knight lather his gel in his hair to ready for Mass, and I once again, reminded him to keep his reverent ways about him while serving.  He made a distinct face at me, and said, "Ugh, Mom, those other server boys are bigger than me.  I don't want to do something they aren't doing." "I understand, but you could set the example, because you know, what you are doing is the right thing." He shook his head, looked at himself in the mirror, and seeing his own image reflected, said again, "I'm the youngest one there, Mom