We’d spent months planning The Big Sale, months filled with meetings and spread sheets and check lists. It was the kind of event that required that level of planning; there were a thousand moving parts, each one dependent on the other. As the big day approached, we prayed for good weather. We hoped for a decent crowd. We crossed our fingers that in spite of the fact that a competing West Columbia “Biggest Yard Sale Ever” was being held at exactly the same time—a sale so well financed they had radio commercials, for heavens’ sake—our little church’s effort would, in the end, be worth all the energy we had devoted to it.

the sun rises at Providence Presbyterian on Big Sale day

Saturday rolled around and before the sun could peak over the horizon, car after car filled the Providence Presbyterian lot: first, our own church members who showed up with such enthusiasm I would have called the day a success before the first sale was made; and second, shoppers who strolled and wandered and purchased, happy the treasures they took home were bought (in large part) with dollars that would help fund our fellowship hall and its outreach activities.

My dear friend, Teresa Coles, and I manned the Joy Market table that held goodies handmade by Providence members. She and I had spent countless nights together crafting for the sale. Even we were surprised when we saw the bounty that came from our baskets as we unloaded our cars. Scarves, necklaces, bracelets, journals—we had actually pulled it off!

I had my back to the crowd when I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned and beheld a sight so remarkable—so surprising—all I could do was open my arms for a gigantic bear hug.

I can’t believe you came I said, a genuine, heartfelt response to the miracle before me.

Of course I came, she said. Although you can’t imagine what it takes to get this crew anywhere.

We laughed and hugged again.

Then we discussed The Big Sale, Lila Anna and I, the many opportunities for these precious boys to explore “inside” (the Joy Market) and “outside” (the Big Yard Sale). And then I said again, overwhelmed with gratitude as I was, I can’t believe you came. I can’t believe you went to all the trouble it took to pack up those boys and get here.

She looked at me, a Lila Anna smile spreading across her face in that way that lets you know something really good is coming.

I learned a long time ago she said measuredly, looking at me in earnest. You do    the things    friends ask you  to do.

I nodded slowly, knowing she was right, knowing it was true.

You do things for friends simply because they ask she repeated. Period.

A life-changer, that LA lesson. One that reached my heart. One that will stay with me, forever.