Sunday, August 15, 2021

Love Actually

Love is in the air this month in all kinds of wonderful ways. Last Sunday family and friends gathered to shower my niece with love and housewares, as you do when someone is preparing to marry. There was brunch and there was beauty in being together and there were bridesmaids who are cousins, pictured here with their grandmother-

But who in our minds eye sometimes still look like this-


In other love-ly news Daughter1 and her family shifted their suitcases to the in-laws house last Monday. All grandparents need to experience the excitement of waking up to little boys who are into everything as soon as their feet hit the floor, plus someone might be needing a nap on the couch so they're ready for round two. 

And by someone I mean us, not the toddlers-ha!


We did our best to snap a photo with my mom and her great-grandsons before they headed across town, resorting to a cup of popcorn bribe if everyone would sit on the bench for a minute. And it sorta kinda worked. Toddler boys are not big on sitting for pictures in case anyone wondered, but these are keepsakes for me nonetheless. 


So so special.

My mom stayed on at the lake for a few days and we had the best time sipping coffee on the porch, watching our very busy hummingbirds overeat, playing lots and lots of cards, and even doing a little bit of shopping. 

We are never to old to appreciate our mother's love. 

Friday night was golden. Hubs and I were invited to attend a 50th wedding anniversary party given in honor of one of my Bible Study friends and her husband. Their children planned the loveliest celebration and I have been thinking about it ever since. 

All of the couple's children, their children's spouses, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren were present which is a gift in itself. On top of that though, it was truly special to hear children and grandchildren and even in-law grandchildren all speak about the loving and Godly example the 'bride and groom' have been to their family. 

According to the US Census Bureau fewer than 5% of marriages make it to the 50 year mark, which is a rather sad and sobering number, and why it feels so very right to acknowledge God's faithfulness along the way. I think it's good to hear wedding vows spoken aloud from time to time. 

A reminder to those of us who are married what it was we committed to 50 years ago or thirty-seven years ago or even just a few months ago. What we are committed to still. 

I left thinking about my own legacy and hoping my girls and my grandchildren, my future grandchildren, and my future great grands speak of me and the hubs with the same sort of love and gratitude we witnessed Friday night. 

It doesn't just happen though...it takes a lifetime of pushing through the hard things, celebrating the bright moments, of trusting God and seeking His wisdom day by day. 

"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

9 comments:

  1. Love the bench shots with your mother and the busy little guys. So sweet. We have a few friends who are celebrating their 50th this year. Such a great milestone. I can imagine your needing a nap after the 24/7 fun times with those Toddlers!

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  2. What a sweet, sweet post! Yes, 50 years is a rarity these days and I can hardly believe that we just passed that milestone.

    What a sweet, sweet picture of the boys with your Mom. Only our first Gran ever got to see my Mom, she died a few weeks after his birth.

    Have a great week!

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  3. Oh my, Joyce. Such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing the very precious photos and the love with us. I agree... love, love, love. Do everything in love. Thank you!! xo

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  4. What lovely things to celebrate this month! I still remember my grandparent's 50th; I was in 8th grade and they hosted a huge party at the same venue my husband and I ended up having our wedding reception.

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  5. Glad you got to spend time with your family and friends. I wonder if that 5% is also because many pass away before their 50th wedding anniversary. My Nana and Grandad passed away after 55 years, my Granny and Grandpa after 42 years, my hubby's Grandee and Papa after 62 years, and lastly my hubby's Grandma and Grandpa a few weeks shy of their 60th. Only his Grandpa is still with us.

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  6. That second photo of the 3 girls is precious!!! Such sweet photos with your mom and the boys. Looks like a nice 50th anniversary party. That 5% is a sad number. No doubt your family will speak highly of you.

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  7. Joyce,
    Another wonderful post. Thank you for sharing. I am passing on the link for others to read your very important message. So very true. Thank you.
    Love, Carla

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  8. Lovely post Joyce and what special times you've had.

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  9. Those pictures of your mom and the boys are priceless. This is a great tribute to marriage. It really does take commitment and years of hard work. Congratulations to your friends! Sounds like they've left a precious legacy.

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