An empty chair...is it a sad reminder or an opportunity? August 26th we moved our oldest daughter to college. As we entered her residence hall for the first time I was overcome with a feeling of sadness mixed with extreme joy. We were greeted in the lobby with an inflatable pineapple, the symbol of hospitality. I was sad to come to the reality that we were walking into her new home, the dynamics of our own table would be changing. But I was also filled with joy because just as we have welcomed others to our table she was being welcomed into her new home. We now have an empty chair at our table, right across from mine. For a time her cloth napkin hung across the back of her chair until it was time to do laundry. Now her chair is completely empty. Although this chair can be a reminder that Hannah for a time will not be joining us for our evening meal, it can also be seen as an opportunity. Who can we invite to join us at our table? This past weekend my mom filled this spot and we recalled how God's faithfulness can redeem the hurt of our past and because of this we have hope for the future. I believe after doing laundry today I will hang a clean napkin over the back of the chair and it will be ready for our next guest, an opportunity to share the love of Christ and nurture someone physically and emotionally.
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AuthorI am a woman who loves everything about making a house a home. I enjoy meal planning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and decorating. Not so much cleaning and laundry, but that goes along with caring for a home. I am blessed to be married to a pastor and we have had the privilege of raising two daughters. Archives
July 2021
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