Garage Door Situation Graciously Resolved

KCCHS member Steve Valentine couldn't believe his ears.

Free? Yes, that is right.

Steve faced a layoff from his position as general manager at a landscape construction company in February 2009. In July, Steve and his wife Linda discovered that their garage door opener no longer functioned. The opener lifted a trusty, heavy wooden door for their 2 ½ car garage. Steve tackled many responsibilities in the course of career redirection. Of course, this was not a good time to look down at a replacement bill.

In the process of piecing together a plan, Linda sent a “wanted” post for the local Yahoo! Free-cycling group. Her request sounded like a shot in the dark—who has a door opener sitting around waiting to be installed? By the grace of God, however, the communique reached the inbox of another free-cycler and fellow KCCHS member who works for a local garage door company The free-cycler electronically linked Steve with its owner, Dan Musick. Steve then contacted Dan. The men discussed the situation, and set an appointment to look at some “to be refurbished” units Dan had access to.

Upon review of the selection and the choice of an opener, Steve asked about the costs, and Dan's reply came as a very pleasant surprise.

Steve and Dan together refurbished the unit, pooling their technical knowledge and skill. Installation followed shortly.

Now the Valentines' door operates with smoothness and precision. But the provision of the opener proved only the beginning. Dan gave Steve a wealth of knowledge about torsion spring and door opener/part maintenance, and some equipment to help keep the Valentines' door running well. In addition, Dan set up a keypad system with security equipment to ensure full safety and privacy. And of course, the remotes were not forgotten.

Steve, obviously overjoyed, remarked “It's a blessing—God opened the door (no pun intended).” The new system enables free car movement, but also a sense of healthy confidence and inspiration for the Valentines' journey. And supremely, this gift reflects upon the glory of God, and just what happens in Christian community when God's people link up and encourage one another in a very practical way.