After Thoughts

I walk into the sunny bedroom to find two sleeping bags neatly rolled and stacked. The bed is made; a packed dufflebag sits at the end. I breathe deeply and a sob catches in my throat. I've seen rooms being vacated before. I always get a bit choked up.

When I check the next room, the bed is stripped, the dresser tops bared. Pillows are carefully piled on the unmade bed. This room, too, is emptied of its special guests. Another emotional tide rolls in and tears overcome my resistance. Yes, I've done this before. The first time they left, the time they left my home as residents and took on visitor status - I cried those times, too. I confess that more than once I looked into the empty space and cried

Down stairs I find...
...sandy foot prints on my porch steps, plastic cups labeled "Danica" and "Louissa", piles of used bath towels - all vestiges of a home filled with people, life, and activity. 

This visit has been wonderful. The house was filled to the brim. People everywhere. Kids, parents, singles. We had no strife, no arguments. We enjoyed one another completely.

As we were sharing appreciations before the final meal, one daughter who has several children expressed gratefulness for such a child-friendly family. She noted how the single siblings had willingly set aside several of their vacation days to spend exclusively doing family outings, outings with every child in tow. They never once schemed to head out to a movie alone, never once complained that every outing had to be of interest to children. They held little hands, wiped faces, helped prepare plates. They wholeheartedly joined in the fun and we all shared every moment together. It was wonderful.

But now it is time to go back to the routines of daily normal living.

They are both gifts from Him - the special times and the routine times. One is the foundational fiber, the other the embellishment. One is neutral linen, the other threads of gold, scarlet, green, and purple.

I give credit to Jesus for teaching us to love one another, to cherish the special times, and to recognize His greatness in the routine building of foundation.

Walking with Him continues to yield great fruit, joy, and fulfillment. I stand amazed at the work of His hands.