how will we know?

dear emily,

how will we know if we have raised our children well?    there are many
litmus tests, but i like the kindness test the best.

• how do they treat the dog when no one is looking?
• who do they prefer, the high and mighty or the underdog? (sensing a dog theme here)
• are they generous to those in need?
• what do i feel when they leave,  relief or sadness?

sadness, always sadness.   

our oldest son and his precious wife have been living with us for nine months

while they have been remodeling a home.   tonight they spend the first night 

in their own house, and i'm feeling just like i did when he  left for college.

but that unhappy feeling is laced with gratitude and hope.   i hope they visit 

often, and i'm grateful that, because they were such thoughtful houseguests,  

i don't feel one bit relieved that they're leaving.

well, i guess i could say that i'm relieved he grew up so kind.

love,

lea

"be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in 

Christ God forgave you."  ephesians 4:32

men are from . . . way farther away than mars

dear emily,

hans and i were driving home from a father's dinner at my brother's new
house.   i had on shorts and he (my husband, not my brother) had his hand
on my leg ( i know, TMI.)   he would lift his hand and then put it down. . .
lift it, replace it, etc.

i couldn't help but think about every night, when he does the same thing.  
just as i'm drifting off into a sweet dream, he lifts his hand, then replaces
it, and BOOM!  i'm wide awake.   the fourth time, he gets my elbow.

so, as we're driving along, i said, "would you like to know the secret to
happiness?"

that got his attention.

"if you would hold your hand still, it could stay a lot longer on my leg."

" . . . but it stops feeling like skin if i don't move it."

i give up,
lea

"again i say unto you, if any two of you agree on earth as TOUCHING
anything they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father in
heaven."  matthew 18:19