Sunday Sentiments

 

Well, if you forgot that today was the time change, you might have missed something. But if you still have time to make it...HURRY!! I told my mom I decided not to participate in it this year. ;) 

But while I wait to see if Lexi can figure out the time change, I'll share with you some Sunday thoughts.

Yesterday I had the extreme privilege of speaking at a women's retreat. These kind ladies have invited me back multiple years, and they just pretty much feel like family now. I hadn't seen them since 2019, and I had so much to tell them! SO much has changed in our lives since then! Ryan went along with me to help me serve, as he always does, and we had the best day. 

The retreat was at the lake, and it was 17 degrees outside. I may not have gotten to stroll by the water like I would have chosen, but I sure did appreciate the scenery from the window!

Toward the end of the day, they surprised us with a gift basket, and I wanted to cry sifting through it. For the record, it isn't uncommon for speakers to receive gifts at an event like this. Though I never go into an event with an expectation that I'll receive something, I always treasure what they give. I love looking around our home and remembering the retreats represented by the pieces in our home.

But there was something even extra special about this one.

They'd given us personalized travel mugs and a bag of coffee from a local roaster.

They made us a keychain for Abby - labeled as the Shafferland Shuttle, which is what our sign says that hangs inside the door. AND there was a travel journal for campgrounds we visit.

And there was a handmade scarf from a local vendor - and a sweet bandana for Lexi!

I wanted to cry, because in each of those gifts, I felt seen and loved. I knew they had searched through the blog and social media to see the things I loved the most and they made each one happen for us. They crafted by hand. They shopped in their community. 

It meant so much to me that they would put this much thought into gifts for us. I'm so very thankful for these people and their offering of love through keepsakes.

It's such a simple thing - and it made such a big impact.

Thank you so much, ladies. You blessed my soul this weekend - in so many ways!