Whenever you enter a house, first say, “May peace be on this house.” – Luke 10:5

After five consecutive posts featuring some deeply serious writing (all of which – especially the two focused on “Labels” and “Mercy” – I recommend reading if you missed them), today’s Photo Friday collection is all light and friendships and grace.

First I have to go back to Tuesday evening when Rebekah and I were privileged to enjoy a relaxed dinner and great conversation with our friends Susan and Edward.

Some preacher families shy away from making personal friends in the church, and for a variety of reasons; but Rebekah and I have never been able to make sense of the logic. Our forty-plus year experience has been that we enjoy the company of pretty much everyone, and that grace seems to be consistently returned.

All our new friends (and that list is growing nonstop) have come into our lives as delightful ambassadors of this church and community, with the accent here in Tarboro on unqualified grace and charm; and the Robersons turn out to be exceptional practitioners of the art.

I have never written for Southern Living, but if I got an assignment for Tarboro I know exactly where I would start.

A river runs through

The other photos for the week feature our home and – of course – the constantly changing Tar River. I may, once our year here is complete, put together a photo book featuring all the seasonal changes revealed in just that short stretch of riverfront Max and I walk so often.

Every town where Rebekah and I have lived, to date, has spoken to our souls with a unique voice. As our time here approaches the six month mark the voice of Tarboro is still speaking grace and welcome, and it is music to our ears.

Wherever we may be, life remains beautiful and full, and our experience is constantly offering new graces every day – DEREK