Fall Retreat Time Again...and a reflection on "being a village"

 It doesn't seem possible, but here it is the middle of October already.  That means that it was Fall Retreat for Gwen, Tim, Ellie and Zeke.  Anna and I got to spend a wonderful couple of days together for this last ever (Anna will be on the retreat next year) retreat.  Both of us were well aware of the significance of this time together.  

We tried to do all new things during this special time.  We found a new place to eat breakfast.  We both decided it was a good place and we would return there again.  We tried a new activity!  We painted ceramics.

Anna painted this cute Smores trinket box and I painted a Grandma coffee mug.  Anna thought that was very appropriate for this coffee lover.  We had to include a stop at the very favorite ice cream shop - the Teepee (AKA Riverside Chocolates).

The best part of the weekend is just getting to spend time with Anna.  She loves to play games so there were many, many games on our agenda.  

This game is a new version of Clue and you get to move around the board and discover who the culprit is and where he committed the crime.  I really enjoy this game.  Anna managed to beat me every time, however.  But it was still really fun.  The dogs spent a lot of time watching the door in hopes that the rest of their "pack" would be home soon.  They also kept a watchful eye on us as we played games!

It really is a dog's life for sure.  These two have lots of love, lots of good food and treats and cozy blankets to sleep on.  They are quite the privileged beagles.  I was looking through old photos and found this shot of Anna during Fall Retreat in 2016.  Anna was two and a half.   I couldn't pass up sharing it!

Just before this weekend, I attended the memorial service for an old friend of mine.  Lois was 92 when she died and I hadn't spent much time with her and her husband Don in the last 15 years or so.  But Don and Lois were an important part of my life during the years that I had grade schoolers and teenagers of my own.   I met them around 1990 at my church and I really got to know them when I joined their "Care Group" at their home.  Lois and Don (who was an Elder at my church) provided so much support for me during busy and challenging times of my life.  I did so many Bible Studies with them. Spent so much time at their house and drank so many cups of coffee from a special coffee mug that Lois set aside just for me.  Their prayers, their wisdom and their encouragement certainly helped to bring to where I am today.  At the memorial, Don greeted me as one of his "kids".  He cried tears for the passing of Ken (which he had not heard about) and he inquired about Gwen and Doug.  He told me that he prays everyday for Doug, since he was his Confirmation Elder.  He remember the exact Bible verse that he gave to Doug in 1995.  That verse if Revelation 3:12 -

 The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.   

Don said that it is his prayer for Doug that he would be that strong, upright pillar for his family.   I was stunned that he remembered Doug and continues to pray for him.  

We all need a village to surround us and our family with their support and prayers.  I am so thankful that I get to be a part of the village for both Gwen and Tim's kids and also Doug and Susie's kids.  And I am grateful for the loving, caring adults who are being a village for my children and grandchildren.  What a blessing it is to catch a glimpse of God's provision of that village so many years later.  

Look around and reflect on your life today.  Who impacted your life?  Who stood by you when you really needed them?  Who helped shape your children and their walk with Jesus?  Now consider, who are you being a village for?  Find someone today and spend some time getting to know them better.  Help them with their kids  - even if you are not in the same season of life as them.  Are they older?  Have a cup of coffee with them and ask about their life.  Are they younger?  Ask about their interests. Take my word for it, it matters.  Your efforts matter.  They matter to Jesus for sure.  

Jesus, thank you for loving us so well.  You knew that we need each other and you have given us family, church and friends.  Holy Spirit, remind us to pray for those who have touched our lives.  Give us courage to reach out to be that village that is so needed.  Thank you for precious time with our family.  Amen