Thursday, March 8, 2012

dear emily,

last week hans and i visited our 'old' church, who was hosting a
missions' conference.  i was pretty nervous about our reception,
as we had not been there in many years.  our oldest was 12 when
we left, and he's almost 28 now.   i determine all time periods by
my kids' ages.

anyway, after the service i was overwhelmed by the exuberant
welcome from the 28-30 year olds.  it hadn't occurred to me that
the 'young' people would remember me.   i wasn't much older
than that when i last saw some of them.   my heart was full, and
my resolve to "let the little ones come to me" was strengthened.

children do not forget kindness.

if it seems that you are the mom who always has everyone else's
kids at your house . . . be grateful.   that is an awesome privilege.

love,
lea

ps.  "let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we
shall reap."  galatians 6:9


22 comments:

Ali said...

Lea,
I will always remember you and your kindness. Playing at your house was always my favorite! I also loved that you just referred to my age group as "young people." Getting ready to turn 30 has made me feel downright ancient lately :)

Ali Bell

Jenners said...

That must have been a wonderful feeling!!

myletterstoemily said...

ali! what a sweet surprise! i always
loved having you at my house.

Farm Girl said...

A very nice reminder Lea, as this point in my life, my house if full of all ages. Some-days babies, other days young adults, some days, just people worn out by the world.
I think it is fantastic that you were welcomed back with open arms.
Such a good testimony.
Glad you are back. Thanks for visiting with me, it is always a joy.

Auntie Cake said...

Hi Lea,
I adore being the mom with all the kids at my house (except for our gigantic food bills...)I love hearing all their laughter from the basement, or outside my kitchen window, and I have even learned to put up with having no grass in many areas of the lawn because of all the dirt-bike's. I know they are all safe and having fun. And I can always find out who toilet papered my house.

I am glad you recieved such a welcome, I know you deserve it!
Kate
PS- thanks for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment, and you are always welcome in person!

Lisa said...

It's so great they all remembered you! You must have been the cool mom who always had the best snacks.;)

Darcie said...

Yes, yes, yes...kindness is NEVER forgotten. Love that you were embraced so kindly in return!

Cheryl said...

I always wanted to be the home where my daughter's friends congregated, but she always preferred to go elsewhere. My mother was an alcoholic so I didn't bring friends home. I can still remember the mother's who made me feel welcome in their homes.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Kids we taught in Sunday School more than 30 years ago have sought us out on facebook. It is amazing the impact we have on the young even we ourselves are very young.

Debbie said...

Oh I am so glad you were welcomed back with open arms! Your so right. Forgetting kindness almost never happens. I am still astonished at how many of our children's friends still call us or occasionally come by even. I love that you got out there the importance of embracing our children's friends...not only for your kid's sake, but for the blessing it brings you as well. Have a good week-end! HUGS

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Amen!!! I am enjoying the ones coming through my house at this stage, because I know how fast this time flies.

So glad you had such a wonderful visit. Those warm times just strengthen our hearts.

Have a great weekend!!

Gloria said...

That is a wonderful story! We never know whose lives we will touch...but our Creator does, and HE never forgets...:)

Blessings for a beautiful weekend!

xoxo...Gloria

Kate said...

Hi Lea, I have been away from the computer a lot lately, but loved catching up on your blog this afternoon! I've missed you!
Blessings,
Kate

Vee said...

That must have made you realize very quickly how much those young people thought of you. How wonderful and I'm not one bit surprised.

Tamara said...

Amen!

Elizabeth Dianne said...

I'm finding in the sunset of my life (much older than you) that it is so very nice to be welcomed "by the younger set." ha ha--I am making myself sound even older--

Guess that is one reason why I love getting to volunteer at Renewal Ranch so much.

They welcome us with open arms.

So glad for your wonderful reception.

Anne Lyken-Garner said...

I was reminded by this very thing this morning. I was talking to one of the older kids at church and remarked on how mature he was. I remembered this boy as a baby in my arms. I then looked around the congregation and realised that half the kids were in my nursery Sunday school class when they were babies. I feel so blessed.

Cheri Bunch said...

Hi Lea~
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog which has been sitting idle for some time! I had a kidney removed in January. What a deal!!! I am pretty much mended now. Ready to delve back into bloggy world soon.
Love your blog! Your wit is so refreshing.
Our home was the one where all the kids used to come and hang out. Our front and back doors were flung open and closed so much that I am sure an ariel view of our house looked like a bird flapping in flight. Confusing to all the birds up in the sky, I am quite sure!

It is quiet now with most of our kids (4) strung very far away from us. Still adjusting to the seemingly screeching halt of it all. I miss them all so much . . . especially the ones belonging to me.

You are a blessing!

Always fun to hear from you!

Best of days,
Cheri

Jen said...

What a wonderful reception to receive Lea. It says so much about who you are when you are greeted with love and remembered fondly. So glad you were able to make the visit. We love returning to congregations we have worshipped with in our many moves.

Jen

Single and Sane said...

What a wonderful feeling when you find you can go home again...if only for a visit.

Love,
Margaret

Deborah Ann said...

Wow! That speaks oodles about your walk with the Lord. I'm sure they all missed you like crazy. How's Sunday Lane doing with her music?

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Lea, such a sweet post and wonderful surprise to know how loved and adored you are remembered by the young folks.
In a similar story, Holly and Bo, her husband, are now missionaries in India, rescuing girls from temple prostitution. Holly was in my Sunday School class many years ago and now my heart is blessed, knowing of her servant's heart.
One of the "projects" we did was to write our names on a piece of 8x11.5 paper. Then, we passed around the papers and everyone wrote a heart message on each. I still have my piece of paper and it blesses me each time I look at it. It also reminds me to pray for all of those "young folks"; no matter where they are in God's beautiful world, our prayers and His love covers all.