Wendi Lou Lee

Season 1, Episode 1, “Harvest of Friends”

1

ANYONE AND EVERYONE

Sometimes we take on more than we can handle, especially when times are tough and opportunities are limited. During our current global crisis, COVID-19 has caused many of us to stay home from work, school, and our normal rhythms; while others take on even more to make ends meet.

Charles Ingalls put himself in this situation when they first moved to Walnut Grove, working too many hours on way too many things. It’s only a matter of time and something gives out. In the case of Charles, it was his ribs breaking when he falls from a tree trying to recover a run-away kite. Stuck in bed, disappointed, and helpless, Charles is forced to accept help from his wife and in the end the entire town of Walnut Grove.

My husband is a bit like Charles right now. Our family’s entire well-being depends on him and the work he has to do. All my upholstery jobs have been cancelled, and the events that were scheduled are no longer happening. That means no money coming in from my efforts and I’m home to take care of the house and the kids. It’s a strange, helpless spot to be in—wishing I could contribute in a more practical way.

After watching Harvest of Friends, it struck me—the role that Caroline played in all of her husband’s hard work. She gave him permission to work more than he should and believed he could do what he set out to do. But then, when Charles needed her help she took on as much as she could, maybe too much. It seems that we all have a tendency to overestimate what we are capable of, and don’t ask for help when we need it.

I challenge you, whatever you may be doing today, to look around. Who could use a little help? Maybe it’s hauling in the garbage cans for your dad, or tidying up a woodpile for your neighbor. Who can you reach out to that needs a kind word more than anything else? Text a friend, call your grandmother (that’s what I’m going to do), or write a thank-you note to the person who is working extra hard so that you don’t have to.

And above all else, ask God to help you in these crazy times. Go to Him with bold requests because He is faithful to answer our prayers. We pray for faith to trust that God is in control of our tomorrows, to have patience with the people living with us, and to set our selfishness aside and be a source of help to anyone and everyone that He puts on our hearts.

Verses to Ponder

Make sure you don’t take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of “sacrifice”—that take place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets. Hebrews 13:16 MSG

So, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Questions to Act On

Who can you help today? Think of one person and then go do it. Even a small gesture done in love can make a world of difference in someone’s life.

If you are completely lost by this post, you probably missed my live video this morning. The gist of it is, I’ll be watching an episode every morning and writing a daily devotional for you based on that episode. If you want to join in then see you tomorrow at 9am on my Facebook page, Wendi Turnbaugh as Baby Grace. I’ll announce the episode for the day and give you
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Much Love,

Wendi