A new homeowner’s riding lawn mower had broken down, and he had been working fruitlessly for two hours trying to get it back together.
Suddenly, one of his neighbors appeared with a handful of tools. “Can I give some help?” he asked. In twenty minutes he had the mower functioning beautifully.
“Thanks a million,” the now-happy newcomer said. “And say, what do you make with such fine tools?”
“Mostly friends,” the neighbor smiled. “I’m available any time.”
Happiness is the new rich.
Inner peace is the new success.
Health is the new wealth.
Kindness is the new cool.
OH, if only these were THE NEW NORMAL!
How often are YOU available for neighbors and strangers, as well as for family members?
SOCIETY SAYS, “LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF.” BUT GOD SAYS, “LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS AND I WILL LOOK OUT FOR YOU!”
My Commentary:
The story of the helpful neighbor who “makes friends” with his tools is a refreshing reminder of what true richness looks like in a world often obsessed with self-interest and material gain. In just twenty minutes, he transformed not only a broken machine but also the heart of a neighbor—and possibly a whole neighborhood. That small act of kindness echoes far beyond the moment.
This kind of service doesn’t require great wealth or status—just a willingness to be available. In a culture where the loudest message is “look out for yourself,” being available for others has become a quiet act of rebellion and grace. When we reach out with helping hands, we create something powerful: connection, trust, and belonging.
“Happiness is the new rich,” the reflection declares. Not the wealth that fills your bank account, but the joy that fills your soul from knowing you made someone else’s day a little lighter. When kindness becomes “the new cool,” we start to reflect God’s heart, for God does not measure greatness by what we keep, but by what we give away.
The ultimate challenge is this: How available are we? For our neighbors, our families, even for strangers? Do we see interruptions as inconveniences—or as invitations to love?
My Prayer Reflection:
Lord of Compassion and Community,
Thank You for the people who show up in our lives just when we need them—
With tools in their hands and kindness in their hearts.
Help us to be like them.
Teach us not to count the minutes we give,
But to make the moments count with presence and love.
Give us eyes to see those in need around us—
And a heart ready to respond with joy.
Let kindness be our calling card,
Generosity our language,
And availability our habit.
May we trust Your promise:
That if we look out for others,
You will look out for us.
In a world that tells us to guard our time and protect our own,
Help us live Your better way—
One tool, one friend, one act of service at a time. Amen.
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