Becky and I have returned from our Memphis to Missouri grandparent run (with two grandchildren still with us until next week when we make the return trip to Missouri).  It was and is a wonderful way to spend some hot summer days.

On the trip from Missouri with Esther and Gideon, we listened to C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”  Such familiar and good words.  What joy to know of the deeper magic from before the dawn of time.

Back in Missouri the literary tastes of almost-three-year-old Micah tended toward the story of Fireman Small and, new to me, “The Little Blue Truck.”  I may have had the story of Fireman Small read to me when I was three.  “The Little Blue Truck” is one of those children’s books with a message for its three-year-old audience.  In the story, Blue, the little truck, is always a good friend to the farm animals he meets on the road.  One day Big Dump, an arrogant and proud truck with important things to do, rumbles down the road ignoring horse, cow, duck, goat, sheep, and chicken.  When he gets stuck in the mud, there is no one to help – save Blue who summons his friends to push and shove until Dump is free from the mud.

Dump has learned a lesson every three-year-old would be wise to learn, “Now I see,” Dump says, “a lot depends on a helping hand from a few good friends.”

During our time on the road, I received two messages reminding me of the truth Dump learned.  I had been texting back and forth with someone, working together on a problem to be solved.  His text came after the issue was resolved: “Very grateful for your friendship this morning. Thank you again.”

A bit later a response to last week’s short post about the joy of grandparenting arrived in my inbox.  Someone we respect deeply and who knows of what she writes wrote, “One of my favorite posts. :-) Grandparents can have such an impact, as I’ve seen in my own kids. What a special relationship. So glad to see you intentionally investing in their lives. They look like they adore you both.”  What encouraging words.

A lot depends on a helping hand from a few good friends.  Sometimes we have the privilege of offering the helping hand and sometimes a helping hand – or encouraging word – is offered us.

And, yes, Scripture reminds us of the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).