Ordinary miracles

My name is Shari and I come from a weekful of green and gold.

My children finished school for the summer, in a burst of field events and potlucks and last things. That little kangaroo in blue on the right is mine. I honestly can’t remember if she even placed in this race; I was just so proud of her.

And this is also mine, finishing his 5K while his dad runs alongside for the killer hill.

My church ladies planned and hosted a long-awaited springtime brunch to discuss the Bread and Wine book, for those who chose to read it prior to Easter. The food was exquisite, the conversation lively. I was brought closer to Jesus and to my beautiful local friends. I can’t describe how blessed I am to be in relationship and community with this set of women. They challenge my mind, change my heart, affirm the work of Christ in me, reshape who I am.

And by the way, I can’t take credit for this, but if you ever want to do a really fun drink bar, check out these delicious homemade syrups for Italian sodas. My friend Carla found the recipes and I made blueberry sage, strawberry basil, and pineapple mint. They use real fruit, citrus juices, fresh herbs, honey. I hadn’t gotten into sparkling water until now, but I’m hooked.

And then in other news, our five-star cat mama did her thing again, birthing and caring for her kittens in secret, then bringing them to the porch to present to us on the stroke of four weeks old. There are three, all males, darlings. They are getting lots of time in little hands these days.

Mother’s Day came, and my family cooked me a surprise breakfast – and gave me the loveliest gifts and cards, including a wok, which I have greatly wished for, and a precious note from a certain son at boys’ camp.

I spent time with my own mom and my family, eating and talking and laughing.

And I got a string of texts from the mother of the children we gave back three months ago. We hear from her nearly every week, though she rarely asks anything of us. Happy Mother’s Day. Would you be willing to keep the children for the day tomorrow? And then go out for dinner with us? So that was what happened Monday, sweeter than I can say. I feel the kind of gratitude that makes one limp and weepy. If I’m honest, I did not think even God could redeem some of these stories, but he can. And he is.

We are living in a green and golden world, experiencing the miracle of relationships.

Green for growth and gold for dearness.

I am rich.

How is Jesus blessing your ordinary life this springtime?