Top Row: Sister Elaine, Nephew Grant, Sister-in-Law Anne, Niece Allison, Nephew Craig, Bonus Son Ryan.
Center Row: Wonderful Friend Hiram, Bonus Mom Mercedes, Father Rod (also the photographer–he used a tripod)
Front Row: Brother Tim, Nephew Neil, Me, Amazing Husband Rich.
A week ago on Thursday, I returned to Laity Lodge and spent a glorious long weekend in the company of my heart-people. Two days ago, we welcomed our heart-family to feast with us around the Thanksgiving table.
The fourth week of November has become a time that I spend swimming in deepest end of the relationship pool. It’s refreshing, invigorating, restorative–and sometimes it’s hard.
For a while now, I’ve been feeling a tug to share ideas about softening up those hard parts of life in family. In 2015, I’ll be starting that conversation. I hope you’ll join me. I think we can work out some tough stuff together.
Meanwhile, I’m preparing my heart for Christmas. Join me?
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.
Galatians 3:28-29 (NASB)
Shhh. It’s the weekend. Remove your shoes and step into the stillness. Stop by Sandra Heska King’s place for Still Saturday. Then head over to Lisha Epperson’s gorgeous Give me Grace. You’ll join us, yes? It’s rest and refreshment–your very own tranquil retreat. And we saved a place for you.
nice to meet you sheila. looks like you had a delightful time with extended family. that is something i’d enjoy doing with our family. hasn’t worked out yet.
Martha, thank you. We did! Not all our extended family could be with us, unfortunately. But we treasured the time with the ones who could come. I pray you get your big gathering someday soon.
And if tensions prevent it, well, please check in when I begin my new series in 2015.
“Swimming in the deepest end of the relationship pool.” I loved how you worded that line, and oh, do I get the hard parts of it right along with you. So thankful for the ways Jesus meets us in the messy bits of relationship. Blessings to you, sister. Stopped by this morning from Give Me Grace.
Blessings to you, too, Dana. I’m so glad you came by. If you drop by Sandy’s place (the link is in my post) you’ll find an amazing selection from The Book of Common Prayer that includes gratitude for the hard stuff. It fits right in.
Your a real heart reacher-out grabber. Nice to see your dear ones and that they consider you dear, also. Thank you.
Aw, thank you! I am so, so blessed.
My sweet Sheila…exploring that relationship pool with you. Praying for ways for God to stretch me, get me out of my shell to be of service for such a time as this. So glad to have had that time of refreshment with you at Laity. So glad. Have a great week!
Oh, Lisha, me too, so glad. Me too, praying for ways. Have a good week yourself! I’m getting my shoulder fixed on Thursday.