Sunday Sentiments

I’m writing this to you on Saturday evening, as I sit by the fire pit, heart full from hosting our small group. We had close to 15 people here, and hearing the laughter and stories of those gathered around the fire made me smile.

            We had a taco bar and people pitched in the yummiest food – including freshly baked cobbler and little mini fruit pizzas. So good. We had the s’more platter ready for anyone who wanted to roast marshmallows and I’m pretty sure we went through a couple of pots of coffee by the time the night was over.

            Some of the kids took kayak rides and one was brave enough to get in the water to swim a little. Lexi couldn’t believe all these people had come just to see her and was living her happiest little life running from person to person to see who wanted to love on her next.

            They have all gone home now, and Ryan and I are sitting outside, since the weather is absolutely perfect. We hear the frogs and cicadas, and the fire is slowly dwindling. A few lights twinkle from homes across the water, but I don’t think anyone else is out by a fire enjoying this quiet perfection.

            A year ago, a night like this was still just a dream. We had signed our offer on this house, but it wasn’t ours yet. We dreamed about what it would be like to sit outside by the fire on a crisp night, watching lights reflect on water.

            You’ve probably seen the wall art that says something to the effect of, “I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now.” May we never forget, even when we might still long for answers to some prayers, that our lives are full of the goodness of other answers.

            I used to dream about what it would be like to host guests in my home – with my husband. I’m so thankful God wired Ryan to love hospitality. We worked together throughout the day to prepare the food and our home for our guests, and it was our collective joy. I sit in the answer to that prayer.

            I used to dream about just being an adult and getting to make the choices about what I wanted to do with my days. In those long years of schooling and rigorous schedules, I longed for the freedom to hang out with friends for a night and not stress about the things that weren’t being done during those blissful hours. I sit in the answer to that prayer.

            I used to dream about living on the water and enjoying the quiet stillness of its beauty. I most assuredly never thought I’d see that dream take place, and every time I glance out the window and see the rippling waves, I am grateful. I sit in the answer to that prayer.

            So many more prayers answered. So many prayers still being prayed. I sit in the gratitude of the answers and I sit with my heart open toward Him in prayer for the things that still bring a deep longing within.