To my friends:
What a blessing it is to dwell in harmony with people who love and help one another when it is needed. It is truly a balm to a troubled soul.
I met them first at an Epiphany Party, with lots of people milling about in jerry-rigged Three Kings costumes, saying hi and how are you and great to see you, hugging and laughing and full of life. I had never been in a house that crowded before.
After we had exchanged greetings and had some goodies to eat, we all were given song sheets with Christmas Carols printed on them. An informal non-professional chorus lifted up their voices and began to process outside to where the creche stood glowing brightly in the dark. We crowded around and one of the young ones presented flowers. We processed back inside singing carols again. More treats and introductions followed along with invitations.
I wondered what the neighbors thought.
I know what I think. Hospitality is a wonderful gift to a community. We were brand new, and in one evening we met at least ten families with kids the same as ours. Two families were responsible for the birth of this small collection of families, but many others contributed. Over many years, I saw lives healed and changed, storms of illness weathered, marriages strengthened, and only one marriage fall apart. I saw the miracle survival of a baby and mom who against all expectation lived.
And last of all, I saw a spouse suddenly join the Catholic Church.
God’s grace is alive here.
Psalm 133 (ESV)
1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Among Friends