Happy 4th, Dear Friends ~
This has been one of those jam-packed weeks for me and mine ... a precious little house sold for more than asked or imagined {no, not ours}. Streams of family texts back and forth. A simple birthday luncheon for a special friend. Hours of conversation with my sister as we sat overlooking Cape Cod Bay's still waters. Quiet moments with mom as she rested in the big blue chair in her bedroom corner.
Lengthy phone calls, some deadly serious and others gleefully joyful. The somber spreading of ashes. A kiddie sized bowl of decadent chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Endless discussions with my husband. Sweet times of meditation on God's Word.
And the long-dreaded, astoundingly stress-free installation of Invisilign in this almost 65 year old's out-of-kilter mouth.
Yet, with all that's been swirling around here, this yearning washed over me as I loaded the washer early this morning. To simply drop in and say 'hi' to you.
In person.
Meeting you face to face. Seeing your hearth and home and very personalized writing space. I picture us sharing glasses of frosty iced tea as we spill our stories from years past or of these last few days. Comparing notes, exclaiming 'oh, you, too?!,' laughing and crying, grabbing each other's hand as we exchange tales of victories and heartbreaks, miracles and sorrows, hopes and prayers.
'Til then, just know that I love and appreciate you. I thank God 'upon every remembrance of you.' I'm beyond grateful that we're doing life together even from afar.
This holiday will look vastly different than the norm without fanfare and parades, fireworks and crowded gatherings. And my prayer for us all as this summer continues to tumble forward with all its very real and valid concerns, is that each day will be bathed with peace and anticipation of good things to come.
Even and especially in the hard times.
Sending my best your way ~
Linda
<< Loose Ends:
*
Oh, Linda, your words washed over me like graceful waves. It's been years since we visited Cape Cod but to me it would be a magical place to spend a summer. The winter's I can't imagine! Your description of life is felt deeply and yes, let's share that glass of iced tea. I've just made some so allow me to pour. Thank you for following the nudging of your heart.
ReplyDeleteI'll bring the blueberry scones ... or maybe some lemon bars!
DeleteLinda I hope you have a blessed 4th. Our 4th events were canceled of course due to COVID but we are also under a fire restriction so no sparklers here at home.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a glass of iced tea with you. National Iced Tea month may be over but I have a glass every day. Currently I have a gallon Ginger Peach black tea I brewed yesterday. Oh it's so delish!
I had no idea that there was a National Iced Tea month, Regina ... but why not?!
DeleteGinger Peach black tea sounds delicious ... do you share your recipes?
Actually I order it from Republic of Tea. You can order the iced tea bags or the regular size.
DeleteYum!
DeleteOh, wouldn't it be wonderful to actually meet in person! Still, Linda, whenever I read your words, I do feel bathed in the warmth of friendship and love. Yes, my friend, you have a gift, and I'm grateful to be a part of your world.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed 4th!
I hope you guys are doing well and will have a weekend to remember despite the quarantine!
DeleteMy body, not my spirit killed,
ReplyDeletea task for Barbara doth remain
that I for my dear wife shall build
a fearsome fast hydroplane.
Turning gas and cash to noise
and speed to make God cringe in awe,
that is what my heart employs
to obey the final law
that I diminish as she rises,
that my labour doth support
a lady who will bring surprises
to a manly racing sport.
So go it, girl, get the last laugh;
with roostertail, give all a bath.
Explanation - hydros are famous for throwing up a 'roostertail' of water in their wake, and it can be aimed, to the detriment of one's competitors.
Now THAT'S a gift! Your wife must be an adventurous woman ... brave, too!
DeleteLove that.
Linda, your post reminded me of the verse from Romans: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Thank you for sharing your highs and lows with us. I usually spend the 4th of July on Cape Cod with my sister, but not this year.
ReplyDeleteThere's lots of traffic and crowds but so many events are cancelled or limited and the lines for just about everything are endless.
DeletePeople are coming to this little island for a 'vacation' but it's not business as usual for anybody.
Sad.
Linda, wouldn't that be fun, spending time together in person. I know we would have done great conversation and laughter. Keep enjoying the time at Cape Cod, wrapping these memories in your memory so you can draw them out when you want to.
ReplyDeleteSavoring the memories, yes, Theresa. Despite life as we're coming to know it, there are blessings everywhere and always something to be grateful for!
DeleteIt would be a pleasure to share iced tea with you. But for now, I love meeting you here.
ReplyDeleteAnd there at your beautifully hospitable place!
DeleteI'm sure you'll have something warm and welcoming already to go this weekend, friend!
Enjoy ...
I was about 56 or so when I got braces and wore them for almost 3 years for this terribly aligned mouth. I'm sure you will be glad. :) I agree this will certainly be a different holiday. So much has happened over the past 3-4 months to totally change how our independence is viewed. I propose simply thanking God for the opportunity and privilege of living in the greatest country on the planet. But most of all, for my spiritual independence day.
ReplyDeleteOur spiritual Independence Day. Oh yes, for sure, Bill. Thanks for the reminder to be filled with gratitude for the most important decision we've ever made.
DeleteWhere would we be without Jesus ...
Love your obedience to drop into my life and morning with love and friendship. Thank you for being who you are and being there for all of us!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it as obedience, Jean. Thanks for that interesting slant ... I'm really appreciating that wisdom!
DeleteOh yes, Linda ... an in-person conversation would be wonderful! I have a feeling there would be numerous me-toos accompanied by both tears and laughter. :-) Many blessings to you and yours this weekend and in the coming days.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are places where our hearts beat close, especially concerning our experiences with our parents.
DeleteIt's meant so much to me to walk side by side together through this difficult 'goodbye' season. I have learned much from you ...
Linda, I see your name here and there in the blogosphere and always appreciate your insightful comments. So glad I popped over here today to get a full dose of Linda Stoll encouragement! Couldn't agree with you more, how fun it would be to visit with blogger sisters and brothers and share our hearts for a few hours. Perhaps in heaven?! In the meantime, thank you for your prayer of peace for all of us and anticipation of good things to come. So be it, Lord God!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we've connected this week, Nancy, finally! Your thoughtful comments have caught my eye, as well. Let's keep in touch ...
DeleteLove these photos; love the thought of us all sitting around a table sharing a glass of lemonade and loads of conversation.
ReplyDeleteToday would be an absolutely perfect day to do so!
DeleteI'll take my tea hot, with milk.
ReplyDeleteAnd blessings to you as you endure these early days with braces.
And if you're like my sister, a spoonful or 2 of sugar?
DeleteVery British!
It would be lovely to be able to sit and chat face-to-face! I hope you enjoyed the holiday even if it was different from normal.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday?!
DeleteI can just picture the sweet conversation and joy we would find in being together. Hope your 4th was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWeekend joys to you, Mary. May you indulge in a few significant conversations that bring you peace and hope ...
Delete