Benefit of the Doubt

For the past three years, Ben has been on the bus with the same brother and sister. Since they get on before Ben and after he gets off, I see them twice a day and have become friendly with them. About two years ago, we had them over for a playdate. Their Dad came too. Ryan and I learned about their tough circumstances. In the short time we spent with this family, it became obvious that the Dad worked hard to make their situation work.

Although I tried many times to get the kids together again, it never worked out.

Over a year later, on Halloween, the Dad stopped by our house.

To ask for a relatively small amount of money.

I gave it to him and asked that instead of repaying us, he bring the kids over for a playdate. He agreed and they came the next week.

Then six months later, the Dad stopped by to borrow a tool for a job. We gave it to him.

Today he came by and left us a note explaining that he was going out of town. I guess he was letting us know he still had the tool and would return it when he came back.

It is not in my nature to trust in a situation like this when things do not add up. For some reason, my heart is taking the lead, rather than my unforgiving and judgemental brain.

And the Dad obviously feels a connection to us since he comes back again and again, if not always for friendship, but for a little helping hand when times are tough.

I think of all the people we have in our lives to support us if things got tough. If we had to ask a stranger for help, it would mean that all our resources were exhausted and we had no one to count on. That would be a scary place to be if I had others depending on me.

Please say a prayer for this family.