As I reflect on this past week my heart is full to overflowing with gratitude and amazement. The week started with Family Day on which we joined some longtime friends for a leisurely but crisp walk down by the scenic river in our city. All of our adult children, that lived in the city, were able to join us along with our friends first grandchild. Our kids have been friends almost since birth and it was so gratifying to listen to them talk and laugh and feel completely comfortable with each other. As we walked we frequently switched talking partners giving everyone a chance to catch up with each other. I just marvel at how all of these boisterous, needy, amazing toddlers grew up to be these charming adults full of character and soul. A good portion of my day was spent alongside one of my kindred spirit girlfriends as we shared our heart issues, our concerns for our families, pointed out homes where we could only dream to live (old character homes with a view of the city skyline and the river) shielded each other as we adjusted undergarments that were shifting with the vigorous walking and breathed the same fresh air – reminding me where the axiom ‘a breath of fresh air’ comes from. Just to be alive and moving and taking in God’s richest blessings via our high functioning senses was a healing for the soul. We culminated with some much anticipated comfort food at a wonderful bakery and café located close to the river. We inhaled the scent of hot chocolate smothered in whip crème and the most delicious pizza crust. The kind that’s crispy and soft at the same time with huge bubbles – just the right flavor – an excellent vehicle to get the toppings into your lusting mouth. Many other years we didn’t really make the effort to celebrate family day but this year I feel we honored it well.
Wednesday evening of this week was to be our very first monthly Potluck dinner for our home group (A group of couples that are all in the same season of life that meet together to support and encourage each other in the faith and study the Word so we will always be spiritually awake while at the same time, able to apply practical spiritual principles to our everyday lives). We agreed to experiment with the increased connection we would enjoy by gathering around the table and breaking bread together. It was a feast not only for the body, but for the heart and soul as well as each shared their struggles and victories in between bites. We also shared the most intimate experience followers of Christ can while we prayed for each other. There was laughter and there were tears. There were humorous tales as well as raw emotional accounts. There was encouragement and validation. As a group we are becoming more and more a family.
On Saturday my husband and I decided a drive out to the mountains would be the order of the day. Some dear friends, that formerly were members of our home group, have moved back to Canmore to live amongst the evergreens, bears and majestic rockies so we made plans to spend the day enjoying their company. We arrived just in time to enjoy a scrumptious home cooked brunch in our friend’s home nestled in the valley of two mountains. No need for artwork or draperies in this home as the breathtaking views they enjoy daily, through their picture windows, are more than enough. Next, we sauntered up and down the streets of downtown Canmore window-shopping and visiting. A stop for coffee and sugary treats completed our tour. We raced back to the homestead for a luxurious and leisurely soak in their patio hot tub. There is nothing I succumb to more than being immersed in hot water with massaging jets relaxing my muscles. Surrounded by nature and winter temperatures we surrendered ourselves to the mist and heat. We endeavored to solve all the problems of the world druing our time in the tub and although we came up short in the problem solving arena the physical relaxation was perfectly satisfying. When we returned to the house the aroma wafting from the kitchen was intoxicating as we inhaled dinner roasting in the crockpot. Our friends spoiled us with mashed potatoes, roast beef, steamed carrots and ceasar salad. Just to squeeze in the at last drop of friendship and hospitality we played a round of Sequence where the men finished up victorious. This is really the best way to end board games. We didn’t let them win but it all ended well as we women can take defeat on the chin better than the male gender (in my experience anyway). Alas, it was time for the drive back home.
Sundays are Mom days. If we are unable to connect any other time during the week we at least have a commitment of Sundays. My mother lives in the same city as I and so I have the privilege of spending much more time with her than the rest of the 6 siblings. Because of our close proximity, mom has become more like another one of my dear friends than a parent. After church, I pick mom up at her apartment and then it’s usually off to Chapters and Starbucks. We never tire of this outing. There is always something new to peruse. We thrive in the atmosphere of books and coffee beans. After we tear ourselves away from our default place we usually end up at my place for a homemade supper. Very often I am experimenting with new recipes and cooking our food for the following week. We do this with the fire crackling in the fireplace and Louis Armstrong singing in the background (or Ella, or Frank, or Michael or Nat), mom reading through my foody magazines, a cup of JOY tea and finish off the evening packing up a doggy bag for mom to enjoy the next day or so. This has become ritualistic but it something we can count on. It’s something that’s grounding. It’s something that’s healing and nurturing.
These opportunities for community, hospitality, sharing, friendship, breaking bread together and encouragement make life rich. These blessings make life bearable when things are dark and enhance it when things are well.
I am so blessed and grateful for all these people that are the lifeblood of my existence. They are God with skin on. They are gifts. They are opportunities. They are welcome commitment. They are my home team.* When I am with them I am home – therefore, they are family.
(I read about the concept of the home team in Shauna Niequists writings).
The Red Plaid Apron 