I sat down to write-up a post about the gift of snow we received this week but my heart is pulling me elsewhere. Though it has been two months ago now, I’ve reflected on it many times. And today it’s fitting as it’s Chad’s birthday. He turns 19 today.
Late December, my dad was having some tests run at the hospital. I was having 16 girlfriends over for dinner, but I spent the day sitting with my mom in the waiting room. And visiting with my dad, lying in the hospital bed awaiting the tests. The delays extended into the afternoon and then even longer for the results. (good results) I hurried home at last to prepare my house for my guests.
When I got home, Chad, home for Christmas break, had cleaned our entire house. He stood in the kitchen grinning. My heart was so touched by this labor of love. I wasn’t shocked by his kindness because he is this kind of guy. He is thoughtful and recognizes the needs of others.
But when I walked into our bedroom, our bed was made.
My throat closed up tightly. Tears stung my eyes.
A gift so precious was shared with me that day. The gift of a son with a servant heart, doing for me.
The sheets hanging out from under the quilt, and the pillows a little wonky, but made in love by the hands and heart of my son.
I’m not a daily bed maker and the feeling of someone making your bed for you is humbling. I think of this every time I make my bed. 
When I was 11 or 12, I surprised my parents by cleaning the house from top to bottom. I remember how quickly I worked so as to finish before they got home. I was so happy I had thought to do it, and even emptied the ashes out of the fireplace, but sadly I had an ulterior motive. I wanted to go to church camp but was told I couldn’t because of the cost. I thought cleaning their house would make a difference.
How different an experience becomes by doing because we love.
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, Philippians 2:3-5 (NET)
I remember visiting my mom when in college and I helped her unload the dishwasher. Without her asking. And she thanked me. I realized later than day, that I did so out of love. A wish to do because I loved. I’m sure I had done before then out of love (gee I would hope so) but it was the first time I realized the why. A change had occurred.
Do because you love.
Katey
P.S. I did get to go to camp that year and every year afterwards. A friend of my parents let me clean their house and they paid my camp fee of $75.
Very moving & beautiful, Katey. Love your sweet & thoughtful young man — happy birthday to dear Chad! How proud & gratified you rightfully deserve to be. (And so glad your Deddy’s test results were good)❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Lori. You are a dear one and on my heart daily. Katey
What a beautiful and dear story! Thanks for sharing this; Chad is such a blessing to so many!
Tori, Thank you. He is a blessing indeed. I thought of you just yesterday and our wonderful hike in Sipsey with Logan and the family. That was a great day. Katey
A sweet story, Katey, and an good start to my day.
Thank you GayLynn. I hope your day is great. Katey
Katey, I remember when I was a young boy I made breakfast for my Mother & Daddy and carried it to them while they were in bed and when I bent over to give it to them I drooled on the toast and I felt so bad, but they said it was alright. That made all the difference.
Oh how sweet. I can just imagine it. Love you.
Loved reading that! What a great lesson for everyone!
Thank you Brenda. It is a good reminder. Looking forward to our visit in May!
Sweet memory!! I felt those feelings all over again from the memory of a roommate making my bed. Thank you for sharing your beautiful moment. So glad your dad is okay too. Peace!
Thank you Frankie. You are an encouragement to me. Katey
Such a sweet thought, Katie. I love it!! Peggy
Thank you Peggy. Children teach us so much. Katey
Katey, you have reminded us of an important lesson. Do it out of love, not obligation or repayment or as a bribe. I need that reminder as my days are more and more on the “pick up, put away” order. I ask myself if I want to be the one who has to be picked-up-after or the one still able to do the mundane things to keep things in order. I always know how grateful I am to blessed with good health!
You and Kevin have indeed raised a caring loving son. The example your parents set for you lives on.
I remember when I was in about the 5th grade, I made breakfast as a surprise for the family. I added cinnamon or nutmeg to the scrambled eggs instead of black pepper. I also remember my mother being so kind about it as they added lots of pepper and ate the eggs.
That is so sweet! Those eggs remind me of the time I washed a load for mom and added bleach instead of detergent. Ruined a whole load of clothes, which is probably why they couldn’t afford camp! Mom didn’t say anything but just pointed out which to use next time. Thank your for your kind words. katey
What a sweet way for Chad to show his love! You’ve done some things very right!
Thank you. He is a gift. Katey
Katey,
I loved your words that your heart strings led you to write.
I think you received the gift of real love that December day that still warms your heart .
I am going to try to be a whole lot more concerned about others after reading this.
I loved the bible verse too.
JOY aka hikergirljoy
Joy, What a smile I got when I saw your comment. Thank you so kindly for your encouraging words. It was a gift of real love. Chad comes home Friday from school and I can’t wait to give him a big hug. I love that verse as well. We can all do better for others. Katey