Our front window is cracked open, over looking the street. Spring breeze drifts in and I listen as laughter makes it’s way down the sidewalk. I hear smiles spread on the faces of young women, young leaders, as they walk back towards the college’s campus, their bellies full of Saturday morning brunch. I sweep the living room; scooping up used napkins, cups once filled with hot tea, plates sticky with traces of maple syrup, humming a heart-song that only Jesus knows the words to.
Standing in front of the kitchen sink surrounded by dirty dishes I survey the damage, and laugh a little to myself. Partly because, oh my days, this is definitely going to be a pruney-fingers kind of afternoon. But more so, I laugh because how great is this mess? How great that every plate, every crusty fork, every glass coated in orange juice belonged to a beautiful soul just minutes ago. I set pans to soak and sort silverware for washing. Tie up the curtain to let in the afternoon light, roll my sleeves to the elbows, begin running warm water. As I rinse measuring cups and teaspoons, scrape oatmeal from the casserole dish and eggs from the frying pan, I utter words of thanks out loud.
“Jesus, thank you for today. Thank you for this home, this space to share and invite others into.Thank you for the songs sung in these rooms, the truths and laughter lavished within these walls. Thank you for Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Thank you for every girl that’s found a place here. Thank you for always meeting with us; through scripture and stories, warm apple cider and loaves of banana bread. Thank you for letting me love on these girls over the past three years. Thank you for this mess of mugs and plates, and cups that need washing.”
I set the last spoon in the dishwasher, the final hand glazed mug placed on the drying rack. I’m full to bursting with joy.
I think about the incredible gift I’ve been given in these girls. As Jesus uses them to teach me leadership, and investment, and gratitude, they pour out grace, forgiveness, and continuous invitations to be a part of their lives. They’ve shown me so much about the heart of Jesus and the importance of community. As we share space and time together they teach me the living meaning of eucharisteo: thanksgiving, wrapped in joy, covered in grace. Through these women I’ve learned to find joy in the ordinary, see gifts in a pile of plates stacked high, recognize reasons for thanks in the everyday. Especially Thursdays.
And I want to say thank you to these beautiful young women who’ve taught me so much; to let them know these are lessons I’ll carry with me across oceans and around the world in the months ahead.
If you’ve ever shared a seat in this living room, laid out a blanket on these hardwood floors, made cookies in this oven or boiled water for a hot cup of tea in this kitchen, I want you to know I thank Jesus for you. If you’ve ever drawn a ninja during traveling pictionary or acted out beavers and squirrels during charades, if you’ve ever played the vegetable game, or felt safe to open up here, I want you to know you’ve made an impact on my life. You have played a valuable part in shaping who I am. Your life, your story, has made mine better and filled it with a meaning I couldn’t have dreamed up on my own. Thank you.
My prayer for you in the year ahead is that you’ll continue to meet together. Break bread, eat breakfast, read scripture. Drink tea and share stories of what God is doing in your lives. Invite others into the dreams and hopes God is growing in your hearts. Live close to Jesus, listen intently for His voice – you know it – watch for His guidance. Make space for Him even when it seems impossible. Create community on purpose; and remember it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s okay if it’s a little messy. Jesus is really good with messy.
YOU are a gift.
I’m with you,
V.
