Once in a while, I do something wise.
Such was the case when I invited some friends from church to our home.
“Come to afternoon tea”, I said. “On the verandah and in the garden.”
Of course, the plan was immediately followed by a piece of brash foolishness.
“I’m doing it all myself,” I proudly told my husband.
Silence.
By myself, I had rarely entertained more than one person at a time, afraid that I wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“Okay,” he finally said.
~~
Carefully, I made a menu, a shopping list and a detailed schedule.
Checked them a million times.
Tidied up the verandah.
And prayed for good weather.
~~
Daughter and son-in-law kindly took the list and went shopping.
My good man left me alone to get everything ready.
Then he phoned: “Shall I pick up a couple quiches?”
“No,” I said. “I have enough food.”
“Hmmm…” he said.
~~
The garden looked lovely.
Flowers bloomed.
Birds sang their welcome.
~~
I took a deep breath.
Our guests were arriving.
My husband smoothly took over the greetings, drinks and garden tours.
In the kitchen, I smelled something delicious.
Quiches warming in the oven.
~~
I started out very well.
But before long, our friends ordered me to rest. I wisely obeyed and everyone helped everyone else.
Everything unfolded according to plan, prayer and an abundance of good sense (not mine).
Perfect weather for garden-touring.
Happy and helpful guests and one very thoughtful husband.
There was also this frequent visitor.
And yes: the quiches were a hit.
~~
It’s such a great blessing: having a caring church family to call our own.
For years we’d kept telling Claire, our priest: “We’d like to invite you and others to visit.”
But I simply hadn’t felt up to the task. So Claire wisely nudged us and last week, it finally happened.
~~
Watching their happy faces made my husband and me happy.
We ended the party by saying ‘the grace’.
As we held hands and prayed, my cup ran over with joy.
~~
Great thanks to photographer Gundy Schloen.
Cynthia Reyes 