Communicate with Humility

Today, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of people I have never met!

Our child decided to start hockey this summer, which requires an incredible amount of gear, and our child loves variety (it's genetic), so we are uncertain of ongoing interest. If you have kids, I can practically see your expressions. We want our kids to try whatever they want, but we also want to raise them with realistic expectations - we do not have unlimited time or resources.

In general, I try to tell other families what we are doing, in hopes that we can connect with as many of them as possible. As part of the hockey communication, I included the clothing sizes our child is in right now & asked if anyone had anything we could borrow as we are starting (and I'm very willing to buy used equipment from individuals or stores). It felt strange. We could go out and buy gear, but it didn't feel right. I hesitated before hitting send. I'm so glad I sent it.

Yesterday, my husband received a call from a woman I've never met asking him to come to her cube. She handed him a bag with 2 sizes of knee/shin guards, 2 sizes of elbow protection and a pair of hockey skates. The smaller set fits perfectly. It so happens that her husband and brother-in-law (I think) all work at the comany. My husband knows the brother-in-law best. He thanked her in awe and said we'd get anything that didn't fit back to her. She was reportedly surprised by this & said she didn't want them back. Her husband confirmed that in the hallway later that day. Our child was amazed and grinning trying on the new equipment. There are still things we need, but the generosity of people I have never met is especially touching. My reminder this week is that we can be the provider and receiver of freebies/hand-me-downs, and how amazing that is for relationships, spirits and checkbooks. Thank you so much, Dave & Diane!!!!!