The Beauty of Community

 

I was standing at the sink, fighting my dirty dishes with water and soap, but the real battle going on was in my heart.

I was feeling attacked, emotionally, physically, spiritually.  Nothing irks me more than the enemy of our souls, lurking in dark corners at the lowest moments of our lives.

I was crying, begging for help.   I felt weak, helpless and alone.

I heard the sound of crunching gravel, and saw a long red van pulling up by the house.  You have to understand, we live in the boonies.  We’ve been referred to as the “Little House on the Prairie” by our therapists.   I rarely get unexpected company, because normally if someone is going to make the trip to my house, they make sure I’m going to be home.

But there she was, our pastor’s wife, with a bag full of cookies fresh from the bakery, a huge hug, and a prayer.

 

Did you know the combination of butter and chocolate is actually healthy for you?

I know.  I sat down and ate one right there.

And I felt so much better.

I may or may not be eating another as I write this post.  The addition of some flavored jo increases the health benefits even more.

A couple of days later, this friend drove 3 hours one way (with her toddler, no less!)  to come and spend the day.

 

She brought a homemade Panera Style lunch, which we slowly ate as we talked…and talked.  Nothing like old friends, and the instant connection you feel when you’re together.

 

And flowers.   She brought tulips, one of my favs.  Something about them is so delicate and breathtaking I can feel the tears coming when I look at them.  And they remind me:

 

Community.   Friends.  Support.  Bearing our burdens with us.

Our lives are so full of community these days.

I could give so many more examples of kindness–friends coming over, taking us out to eat, beautiful flowers, food, texts and emails, boxes in the mail, free massages,  tea parties….

….and cards.   Did I mention cards?

 

 

We love getting the mail…it’s like Christmas.   I love to sink into the recliner and slowly read each one, and let it minister to me…most days I have tears streaming down my cheeks, and I can feel the healing.   Thank you for cards.

People are motivated by different things, and I have discovered what speaks to me more than almost anything else–is BEAUTY.   I love beautiful things, people, places.

 

That’s why, when I see a bouquet of flowers or a gorgeous sunset…I feel this stirring in my spirit.   It just does something for me, can’t explain it.

 

Here’s the word I was looking for–it gives me HOPE.   Makes me remember there’s more than this life…so much more.  And that gives me reason to keep on going.

 

 

 

Thank you, friends, for being a true community surrounding us with love, friendship, and support.   Without a doubt, we are blessed far and beyond what most people experience at a time like this.

Brooklyn and I are having a quiet Sunday morning at home.   We thought her cough and cold was much better, than in the last week it has gotten worse again.   We are fighting hard, determined to get rid of this junk!!   And we are still dreaming of spring…..

Today is a beautiful day, and I plan to bundle her up and go get some fresh air.

 

Thankfully, she is still happy and grinning.   This was her response to Erv kissing her goodbye as he left for church.

A few days ago, I listened to an old radio broadcast CD that I have from Steven Curtis and Beth Ann Chapman.   My favorite quote, which I personalized:

 

And one last thought to leave you with:

 

Love you all,

Jenny