19 October 2013

Kindly Yours

Tuesday morning, Lester and I got back from an absolutely loveeeeeeely Canadian Thanksgiving in Toronto. This was mostly due to the arrival of a tiny (TINY) newborn bundle of joy named, Casper. That's right, there is a new babe in the fam, and he is utterly delectable.

We spent much of the long weekend lounging about the house holding Casper, taking a billion pictures of Casper, googling over Casper's little feet and his hands and his nose and his little cheeks, and his teeeeeeensy fingernails! At any given moment someone was either plunging their face in Casper's general direction or hovering over his soft, slightly bumpy, head inhaling his adorable little bebe smell. I do believe that Casper was squeezed and hugged and coddled probably more than he preferred. However, seeing as we complied with his NEVER PUT ME DOWN rule, I am thinking he will forgive us.

I was also reminded this past weekend of the blessing of community. Instead of having a typical Thanksgiving dinner, the family invited their church fellowship group over to break bread. Over thirty people filled the house that Saturday evening, and as we all gathered in the kitchen to pray, I smiled. We were warm, out of the rain, and about to dive into a delectable feast. Yet,  I think our little hearts were actually contented because we were surrounded by one another. I personally did not know many people there that night, but still, to be a part of a meal, a celebration, a Thanksgiving with others, made my little cup runeth-over. My sister-in-law invited two friends who were far from family, and I can only imagine how much of an unspoken gift it was to them. To be welcomed into a home full of yummies and love, when they didn't seem to have much of their own yummies or loves nearby. That is hospitality and kindness in a very basic form.

While watching the news can be scary, downright devastating, I  sometimes find myself thinking about the wonderful blessing that people can be to one another. Experiencing community afresh,  being inspired by creativity, camaraderie, and sincere encouragement causes me to lift up my face to the heavens and thank my God. It is truly true as true can be that, it is not what you have around you, but who you have around you.

I even got to end my little Toronto jaunt with one of my besties from university! I hadn't seen her for a few months and it was so so lovely to see her little face again. We started our meetup off with a cheesy little Danish pastry, (but of course) and walked through the rain, over a huge and beautiful bridge, to attend church together. Simple, but perfect. Love you M!! 

So, with God's help, His abundant love for me, comfort for me, reassurance for me, refining of me, I hope to become a person who offers genuine kindness, relief and comfort to others. Thank You Jesus, that I can know Your Father because of the cross. That has changed everything.

Happy belated Thanksgiving, mes amis!
Kindly yours,
coco xoxo

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