Cafe comrades; my breakfast surprise!

     

     

     Wonder of wonders! I never know what blessing I may encounter as I approach each new day. 

     Such was my experience last Saturday morning when I was asked to meet some family members at our local Rickey’s Restaurant. 

     Daughter Debi and son-in-law Mark, knowing my favourite meal of the day is breakfast and that I especially enjoy eating out, occasionally arrange for me to meet them at a local cafe. 

     Though I expected grandson Nathan to join us, I was not prepared for the “lovely surprise” he brought with him. 

     

Image stolen from Nathan Harvey's Facebook page — without apologies.

None other than a special friend, with the lovely name — Shea. 

     Nathan, soon to be graduating with a degree in civil engineering, has faithfully dedicated himself to the books. 


     As I kept hearing of his involvement in several weddings of his friends, I would tease him, suggesting it was time for him to 'fess up and confess to his grandma who he has been secretly admiring. 

   

     It’s been said, “Some people radiate beauty simply by living.” I’m sure who ever said that, must have had Shea in mind. 

     What a charming, friendly, gracious, youthful and loving persona! She stole my heart immediately. A great choice, Nathan! 

     We all need to be blanketed in the warmth of someone’s love and encouragement. Friendships are gifts to be treasured. Many true loves began with ardent friendships. 

     As life unfolds, I believe it is the desire of you both to have Jesus as the centre of your developing relationship. You both already know that the greatest need of your hearts is having a personal connection with Him.   

     Isn’t it awesome that we are the only form of life God created in His image, which includes the capacity to love and be loved? 

     Each year, replaying in my mind the beautiful Christmas story, I try to take time to meditate on the part Mary played in all of it. Seeing the youthful and wholesome beauty of a young lady such as Shea, reminds me how similar Mary might have been. 

     I believe God looked upon her heart and loved what he saw. She loved God, had a servant attitude and was humble in her faith. 

     Luke 1:28 says, "The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favoured!'" 

     

     To be favoured is to be blessed. Mary had already learned to trust God, and along with other women, had anticipated and wondered about the Messiah’s birth. She now had to trust God for things unseen. 

    

      Because of her love, strong faith and trust, every generation since has been blessed by Jesus’ humble birth. 

     Perhaps one day, I can thank Mary for her amazing faith and willingness to be His servant, and for giving our Lord a home until the beginning of His ministry.  

     Leading up to Christmas, so many lovely events are happening. I recently enjoyed the children’s Solid Rock Choir presentation at my church; a trip to the Penticton Events Centre to see the Cirque Musica’s live performance with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra; and a Scrooge breakfast at nearby Sandalwood Retirement.  

     

     

     I’m so looking forward to precious family times this season, with a probable 20 (family and friends) around my table. Included in our happy gang — we will welcome Shea, Cecilia, a new friend from Kenya, and possibly a next-door neighbour. 

     

Our house motto, “No one, spends Christmas Day alone” still stands, Nels!  

     

Everyone needs someone 

People need people, and friends need friends, 

And we all need love, for a full life depends 

Not on vast riches or great acclaim, 

Not on success or worldly fame, 

But on just knowing that someone cares 

And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers, 

For only the knowledge that we’re understood 

Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good.   

— Helen Steiner Rice        

     

“Of all the music that reaches farthest into heaven, it is the beating of a loving heart.”  

— Henry Ward Beecher

— beulah eagles