One of the traditions that has been born out of our move to our new house last year has been seasonal gatherings with family and friends. God has blessed us so richly with an amazing home that has ample space and a backyard that beckons all to enjoy. Whether it be on a quiet morning with a cup of tea and my bible or on a Sunday afternoon with a lively houseful with the squeals of excitement from children and the chatter of relaxed adults, it makes my heart so very joyful. I've found myself already planning the menu for the next event mere days after entertaining those that I love and carving out projects that will be valuable to our next gathering. There are days of preparation before each event and while some of those days are long and tiring, the payoff leaves many treasures in my heart that make life in this temporary home so worth the investment. I am rich beyond measure and am especially reminded of that wealth on those days when I am enveloped with the company of those that God has placed in my life. I try to savor each sweet moment, each conversation, and the interactions I watch between those I have brought together through these events. I am in awe of the graciousness of God in blessing me with so many beautiful children that have touched my heart in ways I could have never imagined and how much they can teach me through their innocent and curious and sometimes brutally honest ways. I love that they love coming to my house and that as well as them putting treasures in my memory chest, I have the opportunity to to the same for them. God never ceases to amaze me with the blessing in my life, the love, the relationships, the opportunities to let His love shine through me, and through the home the love of my life and I have been graced with. A home where we always want to have an open door, a good meal, and provision for any and all He calls us to embrace.
It was a wonderful day yesterday, my only regret being that it went too fast. As the last car drove away and all that was left were the remnants of half empty cups, mostly empty plates of food, and pool toys scattered about, I started to clean up. As I rounded the corner to take out the trash, there on the dry erase board that we keep in the hall, I was reminded all the more how important and precious my investment in those that I love is, the best investment ever!
