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Good Morning Porch Pals!
It has been a long time since we were together. I've missed you, and move ahead this morning with excitement.
There is something I've learned this summer, and that is some journeys of the heart are not to be public, and some stories, although written, are not to be read by everyone. Since June I have been living those stories and will share glimpses of them.
One story might be titled, "Reconnecting." Another might be named, "Letting Go." Still another might be designated, "Growing Season..."
This morning I am still appreciating last night. I spent the evening with my Titus 2 Girl saying goodbye our way. She is leaving for college in a week. There have been going away parties, and more to follow (that's how much she's loved!) but I needed time to reconcile her departure in a more personal way. A meal, a movie, memories retold, and mitigated pangs of sadness.
The most recent "Jane Eyre" movie was dark and haunting. I enjoyed it very much and silently pleaded for Mr. Rochester and Jane to be together forever.
We baked a rich, opaque, dark chocolate cake to go with the film, that is only crumbs on a plate this morning. The kitchen has been our gathering place. A spot to examine our lives, our theology, our relationships, our families, and our futures. The walls stow a myriad of moments. Teaching moments, tearful moments, silly, nonsensical moments!
Tonight we said goodbye our way. A girl's night! Chick flick and chocolate. God bless you, sweet friend! Until we meet again.
From the porch,
Alis
He kept his hands over my eyes tightly, and made me promise not to peek. Me struggling to mentally map out the porch so that I wouldn't fall.
"Now, open your eyes!" And there under the shade of the trees were two wicker chairs.
"Where on earth did these come from?"
"Up the street. A lady had them in her driveway. She said they were free."
"Did you talk to the lady?"
"Yes. There was a table too, but we couldn't carry it. She said we could have them."
"Oh my goodness! You carried these all the way home?"
"Yeah. They're old, white, and country...so I knew you'd like them!"
A tender short story written on my heart by the youngest, on our twenty-second wedding anniversary.
"There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God..."
Sitting in an old, white wicker chair, under the shade of the tall trees. Or on the porch, in the same chair, under little white lights, imitating fireflies in courtship.
Little Man learned from his father that the best surprises don't have to be new and shiny. Some of them, in all their finery come from the heart of a boy on a walk.
Warmly,
Alis
Salutations Sweet Friends!
I was just recollecting the weekend's activities. We witnessed a whirlwind of meaningful events. Precious readers, sometimes I say to myself, "Dear Memory, please make a pretty scrapbook page of this in my mind."
Some of the blessings I can recount:
The demure look on her face when she discovered I was carrying a birthday bag with chocolate pie inside.
A living room full of girls watching Tron!
A liberal compliment from a unprejudiced four year old who thinks that I smell like granola bars... (the good kind).
Two brothers asleep on adjoining couches who fell asleep spending time together.
A dog, a boy, and snuggling by the fire, waiting for dad to come home.
One light-hearted traveler home safe and sound, toting volumes of books and satiated with stories.
Cutting paper flowers from cardstock 'til my fingers hurt.
A charmed breakfast with two at a tasty spot in town.
Receiving a bag of favorites from Whole Foods from a pillar of support in my life. My best friend.
Homemade soup from my walking partner which coated a sore throat with pure delight! Sweet Potato!
The headship of a husband, exercising the kind of love that Christ did and does for his church.
Ripe pears ready to be made into a perfect pear cake!
An overdue conversation with my sweet sister and the satisfaction of catching up with her.
Blessings to you,
Alis
