Full

You know that scene in It's a Wonderful Life where all the townspeople come together to save George from the brink of destruction? {Who doesn't?} That's what it feels like around here!

Just a week ago, I was baking bread every day just so we'd have something to eat. This is what our refrigerator looked like:





Today, it looks like this:




We've had help pour in from all directions. We've been invited over to dinner {then handed all the leftovers!}, given bags of groceries from a neighbor's personal food storage, received packages in the mail and anonymous donations, and even had a whole ham {from The Pork Shop, ohmygoodness it is sooo good} delivered to our door.

It has been a feast, both literally and spiritually.




J commented last night, "The interesting thing about being on the receiving end is how much I feel the spirit-- How much I feel loved and watched over rather than awkward or embarrassed."

For him, this is an entirely new experience. Never in our marriage has our situation been this precarious; and while I grew up in a household that was no stranger to dire financial straits, it's been completely different experiencing it from an adult perspective. I expected to feel that familiar fear. Instead, I feel comforted.

I've cried several times this past week, awed at the generosity of friends and strangers, but even more awed at the hand of the Lord in our life. I thought I knew that security in this life is an illusion-- that we rely on the Lord for everything. But having it become so obvious has been both touching and eye opening for me.

My heart is full, my refrigerator is full, and soon my children's stockings will be full. I cannot send up enough prayers of thanks for all of you!


God bless you, every one.