the gift of time

Two notes today, one for time given and one for time shared.

With the hectic pace of my life these days, I was overwhelmed in the face of a mandatory trip to IKEA for supplies for a work project. When would I find the time?! My loving friend M assessed my needs and thoughtfully fetched exactly what I needed without my asking. Her unsolicited generosity amounts to a gift of at least three hours. That most of that time would be spent in suburban traffic makes the gift all the richer.

This evening I took my weary bones and hungry soul to the home of dear friends, the M family. All three children greeted me at the door with hugs and then the girls announced that they'd prepared a surprise for me. I was led upstairs, and directed to sit on the couch. "Come on in and make yourself comfortable here," said S, who is four. Out came the bucket with sudsy water and the lotion. These two little angels washed my feet, dried them gently & lovingly, and then massaged them with lotion. All the while, their little brother entertained us with antics involving chairs and cushions and climbing and lots of "Ah ha! Me!" It was delightful in every way and set the tone for the rest of our evening together. I'm so thankful for the family's welcome, for the simple and rich gifts of foot rubs and roast beef and apple pie, for the cascade of hugs, for hide-and-seek, for little ones climbing on my lap, for bedtime stories, teeth brushing (it's an honour for me to brush their teeth, really!) and good night kisses.