A lifestyle choice
October 28, 2008
The historic storm that just rolled through Cincinnati in September damaged a large oak tree on our property. The tree is estimated to be around 100-125 years old and as you can imagine quite large. Just two days ago we had it removed because it posed a significant risk to our house along with the neighbors. The crew arrived with a pot of hot coffee waiting for them. It was a cool morning and they seemed to enjoy this unexpected warmth as they prepared the equipment. Once the crane went skyward and the saw blades fired up the neighbors came flooding out. It was a great experience as many of the neighbors stood outside talking with each other (there’s an idea) while they watched the crane at work. Many of these interactions were new. My wife baked dozens of cookies for the crew as they broke for lunch. More significant than even that was the opportunity for a half dozen of the neighborhood kids to sit in the crane and help the operator hoist the climbers. The fun those kids had taking pictures and videos; they had a blast. Also, the neighbor at the end of the street heats his home with a wood burning stove. LIGHTBULB! He is now able to enjoy at least a whole winter’s worth of oak for his stove. All for free. Consequently, dropping these massive logs in the neighbors front lawn also served the tree service as they did not have to take 4-5 trips dumping the huge chunks of trunk in addition to paying to have those burly pieces disposed of.
The point I’d like to make is that this service project was a community event. It seems to me that all involved were both served and serving. The serving opportunities weren’t altogether planned but spontaneous displays of practical needs being met. Serving is a lifestyle choice not a program in which to participate.
-Randy Henson
