Remember that national holiday we had awhile back, the one that comes at the end of November. Yes, that one. Thanksgiving. How long ago was that? Just short of two months, by my calendar. And that's how long I had a teepee set up in my backyard.
My husband thought it would be fun to have a real, full-size teepee for my grandsons on Thanksgiving. Of course he waited to tell me this until Thanksgiving morning after he'd already purchased it.
Needless to say, the boys loved hanging out in the teepee all day. They made special hats and roasted marshmallows over the firepit in the center. The seven-year-old said it was just like the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Indians, but I doubt if they were eating s'mores.
Colorado got an early winter blast that weekend that covered the teepee with a white blanket of snow. Add a few more snowstorms, a broken toe, and the flu, and every weekend passed with the teepee still standing two months later. No whining or complaining by me brought that structure down until, that is, our friend Hari offered to help.
Today was cool and breezy outside. A large part of the backyard was still covered with ice, and most of the tent pegs were frozen solidly in the ground. Undeterred, they worked quickly with axes and shovels. The whole thing was taken apart and put away in just over an hour.
Later, before dinner, my mom said the blessing. "Thank you God for this wonderful food, and thank you that our friend Hari can be here to join us," she started.
"And thank you guys for taking down the teepee," I added.
"Amen!" we all said in unison.
What small favor has a friend done for you lately? What favor have you done for another? Remember to bless the favor and thank the friend.
