reading this link as I am praying for my son a lot these days and the heading spoke to my heart. Judy, I know what you mean about daughters and sons - my two daughters do seem to manage better when they are down, but my heart is heavier when my son is sad. My husband says that men need a helpmate, for sure, and yes, I think that women's hearts yearn for children to complete them. Of course, this is generalization, too, but what you wrote makes sense to me.
So many things in commonality to the posts here! My son's name is Zach, he went to Orlando for college, he is seeking a girlfriend, too, and he works as a roofer at the moment (after the expensive college education
). Somehow, it would be neat if he could help you out with the roofing problem! But I do know that with these odd bits of things in common, I will definitely be reminded often in prayer for your Joe's loneliness, (as I pray for my son) and people's need for help with house repairs. I will pray for God's provision for these. A friend mentioned on her blog that God doesn't necessarily take away our troubles (He uses them for our good) but He does take away our CARES - we don't have to be anxious about anything but give our requests to Him, with thanksgiving, and petition Him for help. The thanksgiving part used to puzzle me, but now I realize that troubles bring me to Him and I see, not always clearly, that He grows me and others through the problems.
God bless
Karen