Life is Full not with Possessions, but with People

I'm enjoying a quiet day on my day off. I'm listening to Ann's blog and drinking coffee and listing gifts. So many, many gifts.

There's always a bit of a let-down when something you've been waiting for, working towards has already come and past. Time just goes so fast! But the sweet memories stretch the time, keep it close to your heart. Bring a smile to your face. And a longing inside for the next time, when we can be together again.

Relationships are so special. So vital. How did I ever think that I could be an island? That I could make it on my own? That it is safer somehow? No, God knows best. He knows we need each other. He knows life is richer with relationships. That all relationships are are just a picture, a scale model of our real relationship with God.

I am going to start taking more pictures. I always regret the fact after it's past. But I do have a few, and I want to list some gifts I wrote in my journal throughout the weekend. Remembering...cherishing...

- seeing him on the corner waiting for me
- seeing candlelight and a rose through the open door
- the lovely meal he prepared for me (such an act of service!)
- walking around his "life"
- another Starbucks together
- being with his mom and dad, talking and laughing
- closing my eyes and still hearing his voice :)
- having him drive me in mom and dad's car
- that lovely, sweet epistle! Wow!!
- that lovely sweet peace, you really can't understand it!
- Your (God's) great great faithfulness
- chatting with Grandpa and Grandma Mills
- seeing the house and those aqua blue countertops
- our chilly, brisk walk with his dad
- looking and laughing - so much!
- hearing his dad preach, overcome with emotion about God's love
- those beautiful words of the song The Love of God sung so worshipfully
- Sunday dinner - with family - what a blessing!
- that cup of coffee Mrs. Ryder brought me just when I needed it
- discussing family trees - all because two people fell in love
- sitting close looking at books of years past
- the beautiful sunset over the open field
- the quiet trip back...reflecting on the past, talking about the future, savoring the last minutes together
- $30 worth of gas...going above and beyond
-seeing him waving at the corner
- a life rich not with possessions, but people!
- ticking off the miles talking with Brenda and Leanna, rejoicing that God is growing them, molding them

Matthew 23:37-39 (NASB) "And He said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "




Father, Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for Lucas, for the treasure he is. For allowing us to be a part of each other's lives. Thank you for his family. For how they've shaped him and helped him become the man he is. Thank you for your work in our lives - for "Spirit-help." We are your workmanship...and You are our faithful, loving Creator. Lord, help me to love You and as an out-flowing of that love, to love the people you've placed in my life. Especially the children. Oh, God, help me love them. To be Jesus' hands and feet. To show your joy - abundant joy. To live soft and slow. To wait on You. To wait with You. Lord, as I read this weekend, I want to abide in Your love. Place your joy in me, so that my joy may be full. I want to bear much fruit, so keep me close to You, the vine-my life source. Without You I am nothing. Thank You Father for Your love. For loving me first.